TRADING standards officers today defended their position in the 'pig tarts' furore as a new petition was launched.

They claimed that customers - including those with allergies and dietary requirements - had a right to know what they were buying.

The comments came as a petition aimed at saving the pig tarts at the Sgt Bun Bakery appeared on the Internet.

The non-commercial blog - http://pigtarts.blogspot.com - has already received nearly 1,000 hits.

Bill Jaggs, head of regulatory services, said: "Trading standards officers received a complaint about the labelling of food in the Sgt Bun Bakery.

"They visited the shop and advised the owner that the names of the pig tarts and robin tarts could be used as long as a short description was also shown to make it clear what the food actually was.

"Consumers have a right to know what they are buying and there can also be an issue for people who have serious food allergies or special dietary requirements.

"Some foods have what are called customary names, even if the name does not directly describe the product it is understood by customers as it has taken on a particular meaning over time, such as shepherd's pie and hot dogs.

"This was not the case with pig tarts, robin tarts and paradise slices which were very specific to one particular business and had a title which could not be widely known."

He added: "Food labelling is a complex issue and is covered by the Food Labelling Regulations 1996. The rules are much tighter for pre-packaged food and are less clear when they apply to unpackaged food such as the cakes in this case. Trading standards officers try to work with businesses to make sure they are aware of, and comply with, the relevant laws.

"Wherever possible they do this during an advisory visit and will always clarify or explain issues when asked."