MP Eric Pickles has spoken to farmers about improvements which could be made to food labelling after the horsemeat scandal.

The Brentwood and Ongar MP met farm workers from Ongar where he was told a major issue lies with the number of businesses which get involved between them and the retaillers.

They said this causes confusion for consumers, and Mr Pickles says relationships between suppliers, farmers and supermarkets needed to be “built up” to help shoppers.

He added: “The Government supports accurate voluntary labelling and producers are recognising the added value to be gained from being able to add accurate information about how the product has been reared or grown.

“Consumers nowadays want to know where everything they eat comes from, be it prime cuts or economy brands.

“Supermarkets need to build up proper relationships with farmers to ensure they know exactly where products are coming from.”