§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are taken to alert consumers to the horsemeat products imported to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanHorsemeat and horsemeat products are covered by the provisions of the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Labelling Regulations 1984. Under the Food Safety Act it is an offence to offer for sale any food that is falsely described or labelled, advertised or presented in a way that is likely to mislead as to its nature, substance or quality. Under the Food Labelling Regulations horsemeat products have to indicate clearly that they contain horsemeat so that consumers are aware of this fact.