HC Deb 20 May 2003 vol 405 cc739-40W
Mr. Hayes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what food safety checks are in place on eggs and egg products originating from(a) the European Community and (b) the United States. [112504]

Ms Blears

Under European Union single market rules, food products such as eggs originating from other EU member states are in free circulation in the United Kingdom and are not subject to checks at UK ports.

Eggs imported from countries outside the EU, such as the United States, are subject to veterinary checks at designated border inspection posts, where they undergo documentary and identity checks and a proportion are subject to physical checks.

All food, whether imported into or produced in the UK, may be subject to checks "inland" at food premises by local authorities.

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