Waitrose to change Jersey produce packaging

Jersey cows can be exported from the island, but can not be imported

A supermarket chain is changing the packaging of a dairy product to make its origin clearer.

Jersey Dairy criticised Waitrose for the labelling of its cream produced from milk from Jersey cows in the UK in its shops in the Channel Island.

The label reads "extra thick rich and luxurious Jersey double cream".

A Waitrose spokesman said new packaging would be produced in the new year to make it clear the cream is made from milk from cows not in Jersey.

The Jersey breed

• There are more than 3,000 Jersey cows in the island

• About 70% of milk produced on Jersey is consumed on the island

• A 1763 law prevents the import of cattle, although exports are allowed

• There are about 11,000 Jersey cows in the UK

• The Queen owns a Jersey herd near Windsor

Sources: Jersey Dairy and UK Jerseys

In 2010 a group of 27 farmers from Jersey lodged a bid to protect the Jersey cream brand so only cream produced by Jersey cows in Jersey could be marketed as Jersey cream. This application was rejected by Defra.

Under Jersey law only milk produced in the island can be sold in Jersey.