MPs have launched an inquiry into the false labelling of “faux fur” items by major retailers after it was found many of these items contained real animal fur.
Following an investigation by Sky News last December, which discovered items advertised as synthetic fur at TK Maxx, Boohoo, Amazon, Groupon and Miss Bardo contained traces of real animal fur, retailers are set to be grilled by the MPs.
The inquiry was launched yesterday and will see representatives from House of Fraser, Boohoo, and Missguided, all of which have no-fur policies and were implicated in Sky News’ investigation, face questioning from members of Humane Society International and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.
It will seek to review current laws regarding the fur trade and what changes could occur when the UK divorces the European Union.
Though fur farming was banned in 2000 in the UK, it is understood that it is still being imported from countries with lower animal welfare standards.
In Sky News’ initial investigation, fibres of rabbit, mink, fox, raccoon, dog and cat fur were discovered in a range of items displayed as “faux fur”.
All the retailers implicated in the investigation have removed the featured items and stated they would never knowingly mislead customers.
“The public interest has been huge, so we’re pleased that Parliament is taking these concerns seriously,” Human Society International’s executive director told Sky News.
“This inquiry will present compelling evidence to ban fur imports, trail blazing a moral standard against an outdated trade that has no place in modern society.”
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