§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has for requiring the registration of food outlets under the new EU food hygiene regulations; if these will apply to charity events; and what level of(a) charges for licences and (b) fines for transgressions he proposes to apply. [132822]
§ Ms StuartFood premises are already required to be registered under the Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991, as amended. The regulations exempt, subject to certain conditions, voluntary and charitable organisations from the requirement to register. There is no charge for registration. Fines for offences on conviction may not exceed either level 3 or level 5 on the standard scale, depending on the offence.
751WThe European Commission has presented five inter-linked proposals for regulations on food safety rules and associated animal health controls. These are intended to replace some 16 commodity-specific EC directives and the general food hygiene directive that applies to all other foodstuffs. The initial drafts of these regulations show a proposed coming into force date of 1 January 2004. The first meeting of experts took place on 25 and 26 July where the Commission presented the proposals and laid down its intended plans for tackling the wide range of issues. Regarding registration requirements for food premises, the United Kingdom will seek to ensure continuity with current domestic requirements.
It is likely that, following the summer break, meetings will take place in Brussels on a monthly basis. In the meantime, we are in the process of consulting with interested parties and stakeholders to seek their views.