Support for better rules on food labelling have been welcomed by Plaid MEP Jill Evans.

The European Parliament's Environment Committee backed new proposals for all pre-packed food to be labelled clearly with its country of origin. The MEP hopes this will boost the profile of farmers and food producers in Wales, with our top class products such as Welsh lamb or Welsh cheese.

MEPs also backed labelling that would show whether battery farmed eggs were used in foods .

The all-Wales MEP welcomed the vote as good news for consumers, farmers and the food industry.

Jill Evans MEP said:

"This new law would be good for the consumer and very good news for farmers and the food industry. Pre-packed food should be clearly and honestly labelled with where it's come from.

"At the moment, food can be labelled as a product of the country where it's processed and packed . This misleading for the consumer, but it also undermines our efforts to promote products really 'made in Wales' like Welsh lamb or cheese.

On battery hens, the MEP commented:

"Many of us choose to buy free range eggs, but we don't always have the same choice when it comes to ready made food containing eggs.

"I want people to see what they are buying. That's why I supported compulsory labelling for food made with battery farmed eggs to ensure higher animal welfare standards.

"Hundreds of constituents have contacted me about this, and I'm very pleased that the committee agreed."

The food labelling law will come before the full European Parliament in May .

Diwedd/End.