§ Mr. William Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is taken when food unfit for human consumption arrives in the United Kingdom; how soon local authorities are informed; and what action is taken by the importers, the wholesalers, the Ministry, and the local authority, respectively, in order to arrange for the immediate withdrawal of such food from retailers.
§ Mr. MoyleThe action taken varies according to the circumstances of particular cases, but the following is a general explanation of what happens when, following its distribution, doubts arise about the fitness of imported food for human consumption.
If the food is widely distributed my Department informs local authorities by letter or telegram, asking them to take action to ensure that the food is not sold or used for human consumption; it also issues a public warning. The cooperation of commercial interests is sought both centrally and locally to secure the withdrawal of the food. If voluntary co-operation with distributors and retailers is not forthcoming, local authorities can take action under food and drugs legislation to seize, and secure the safe disposal of, stocks of the food. They may also initiate proceedings against anyone selling the food for human consumption.