Supermarket ombudsman announced

The Food Ethics Council welcomed consumer minister Kevin Brennan’s announcement on 12th February that he accepted the Competition Commission’s recommendation to create a group to police the Grocery Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).

It has long been apparent that the power wielded by supermarkets needs to be regulated. The government must now ensure that it listens to small producers as well as big business while it consults on what shape an enforcement body should take.

A strong supermarket ombudsman, invested with real power, would have the authority to ensure fair prices from the farm gate to the checkout. It would protect the livelihoods of farmers across the UK and give consumers better access to fresh, healthy food.

Here’s what we say in the Guardian and Food Manufacture.