The original guidance on country of origin dates from 2002, but the FSA said yesterday that it has started a consultation exercise on revised guidance for food businesses as part of its commitment to improving labelling for consumers.

"Country of origin labelling tells consumers where the food they are buying comes from, helps avoid misleading labelling for certain food products and helps consumers make informed decisions about what they buy," said the agency.

It also aims to give enforcement authorities guidance to help them improve labelling advice.

The proposed revisions include reformatting of the guidance document for better accessibility by small and medium enterprises (SMEs); and updating of legal information, such as on commodities legislation.

It proposes advice on how to avoid misleading over products of a particular culinary style, and on origin declarations for products from Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

It also puts forward best practice advice on voluntary information, in cases where a product is packed in a different place to where it was produced.

Finally, it offers best practice advice to avoid misleading presentation and product display in-store.

The FSA is inviting views and comments until December 14.

The questionnaire is available from the FSA website .