§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are ensuring that imported foods comply fully with the health and hygiene standards required of British food producers; and, if not, why not. [HL1647]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)We are advised by the Food Standards Agency, which is responsible for issues of food safety.
Food imported from countries outside of the European Union is subject to import controls at United Kingdom ports. All foods of animal origin from third countries are subject to harmonised EU import controls, including documentary and identity checks, and to prescribed levels of physical checks. Imported foods of non-animal origin from countries outside the EU are subject to inspection under UK legislation. Food may be detained at ports whilst checks are undertaken and food found not to comply with hygiene requirements may be destroyed, used for purposes other than food, or re-exported.
In addition to controls at import, all imported food, including food imported from other EU member states, may be inspected at the point of destination in the UK and is subject to the same checks at retail level as food produced in the UK.
In light of current concerns about illegal imports of food of animal origin, the Food Standards Agency has written to port health authorities and local authorities to ensure continued vigilance and checks on imported products both at the point of import and at the retail level.
Finally, the Government are considering as a matter of urgency whether controls on imports of meat and meat products can be made more effective.