HC Deb 04 July 1989 vol 156 cc152-3W
Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the consistency of health checks in respect of food and food products in each member state of the European Community; and what steps he will take to ensure that the public of the United Kingdom is protected during the approach to the integrated single European market and after its completion.

Mr. Freeman

The Government are wholly supportive of the need for a European-wide food safety policy. We have been a party to the agreement on five "framework" directives on food labelling, additives, food for particular nutritional use, materials and articles in contact with food and official inspection. This last is very relevant because it will require food for export to another member state to be inspected in the same way as food intended for consumption within the member state. More importantly, it will be backed by a proposed directive on food hygiene with the aim of harmonising standards. Even with completion of the single market, the United Kingdom will be able to take action on the ground of public health either under article 36 of the treaty of Rome or guarantees provided under the relevant directive.

Aside from legislation, the Government participate in a number of Europe-wide committees and working groups established to deal with specific food safety issues.

Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will make it his policy that controls over food for human consumption should continue to come under the care of environmental health officers; and whether he will press the European Community to recognise this approach.

Mr. Freeman

Environmental health officers, trading standards officers, veterinary officers and meat inspectors all enforce controls over food for human consumption. Within the European Community the British Government are continuing to make representation when appropriate.

Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will press for the incorporation into European Community directives and regulations of recognition that the work of environmental health officers in the United Kingdon is geared towards food safety and food hygiene.

Mr. Freeman

Apart from veterinary directives, community legislation to date has not specified the professionals required to enforce EC directives.