§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what tests are carried out on(a) raw and (b) UHT milk imported into the UK from (i) EU and (ii) non-EU countries. [116561]
§ Ms QuinAll milk for human consumption produced in the UK and other EU member states is subject to EC legislative production standards. Milk is therefore traded freely in accordance with single market provisions and is not required to be tested on entry into the UK. Raw cow's drinking milk cannot be imported from other member states or third countries and sold for human consumption in the UK.
No testing is required on milk imported from third countries. However, EC rules require that milk imported for human consumption may come only from EU 501W approved establishments in approved third countries and is accompanied by public health certification signed by an official inspector stating that it meets EU health standards. EC Regulations require Environmental Health Officers to carry out hygiene and quality tests on milk at the point of sale or manufacture.