Food For Thought: Europe Comes to Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, England, November 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The European Commission drives home message on consumer health at BBC Good Food Show

The European Commission is heading to Birmingham to actively participate in this years' BBC Good Food Show.  The event - one of three being held across the country - brings together food and drink producers, experts, chefs and is the ideal place for you to visit if you are thinking of getting ready for Christmas.

This is the second year that the European Commission has supported the event and in Birmingham it is surveying us Brits on what we expect from those who not only grow our food but those who retail it and also those who waste it.

On the huge 'Food for Thought Stage' - sponsored by the European Commission - fifteen of the UK's household name chefs including Rachel Allen, James Nathan, Alex Mackay, Theo Randall, Stacey Stewart and Marcus Bean will be coming together to demonstrate the very best of British cooking. At the same time they will be explaining the vital role that the EU plays in the drive to make Britain a healthier, safer place.

Paola Testori Coggi, Director-General of the Commission's Health and Consumers department, stated: "While the Good Food Show is a celebration of the best of food and drink, consumers and chefs alike are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of food safety. Issues of provenance, food security, animal welfare and environmental issues are becoming more and more vital. We call it 'From Farm to Fork' encompassing all areas of animal health, animal welfare and food safety throughout the food chain,"

"We want citizens to be confident that their interests are protected, that the food they consume is safe and that animals are reared in the best possible environment. Furthermore citizens also want to know what their options are when it comes to responsibly managing food waste. This event gives us the ideal opportunity to hear what people want and that is why we are taking the time to survey those who attend the stand.  We want to know what you have to say!" she concluded.