HL Deb 07 February 2002 vol 631 cc114-5WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the red tractor symbol can be legitimately displayed on products that originate outside the United Kingdom. [HL2642]

Lord Whitty

The red tractor is a private industry-led initiative which is administered by Assured Food Standards. Imported products produced to standards equivalent to those of qualifying British assurance schemes would be eligible to carry the symbol. This is in line with the requirements of EU single market and competition rules. We understand that currently no non-UK products are carrying the symbol.

The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Assured Food Standards (AFS) recognises food or crops assurance scheme awards made by non-United Kingdom organisations; and, if they do, which are these organisations. [HL2643]

Lord Whitty

We are not aware of any food or crops assurance scheme awards made by non-United Kingdom organisations that have been recognised by Assured Food Standards. However, one non-UK producer has applied to be recognised as complying with the standards of the Assured Chicken Production Scheme.