§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what resources he is committing through the Food Standards Agency to(a) prevent and (b) detect illegally imported meat entering the UK. [102162]
§ Ms BlearsThe Food Standards Agency (FSA) is assisting local authorities in the prevention and detection of illegally imported meat through delivery of its 10 point plan to enhance imported food controls. This plan includes provision of training, enhanced liaison and provision of enforcement guidance to authorities. This summer, the FSA is to deliver a specific training programme to all United Kingdom local authorities relating to detection and removal of illegal imports.
The FSA is also assisting the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise as part of a cross-government action plan on illegal imports.