HC Deb 31 January 2001 vol 362 cc226-7W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the impact of hazard analysis critical control points on official control of meat inspection. [146981]

Ms Stuart

I have been asked to reply.

Representations on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and the future control of meat inspection have been received from UNISON and hon. Members on behalf of constituents. I am advised that UNISON and the Association of Meat Inspectors (AMI) have also been holding discussions on this issue with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The concerns expressed relate to an unfounded view that the FSA would countenance a change to the present system of meat inspection which did not fully protect the public.

A European Commission working document, made available by the FSA earlier this month to a wide range of interests, including UNISON and the AMI, sets out some initial ideas on what might form the main elements of a future risk-based meat inspection system. Among other things, the document discusses the possibility that operators who demonstrate a high degree of commitment to good hygiene practice including consistently good microbiological test results, who train their own staff to the same level as official inspectors and who wish to take on the responsibility, might be permitted to carry out on-line meat inspection subject to official scrutiny and enforcement, as long as those high standards are maintained. Other, non-European Union, countries have already adopted or are piloting such an approach because of perceived consumer benefits.

Any legislative proposals that flow from the Commission's working document would be subject to formal public consultation in the UK, negotiations with other member states, and both EU and UK Parliamentary scrutiny, before any changes could be implemented.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate his Department has made of the cost of introducing hazard analysis critical control point. [146982]

Ms Stuart

I have been asked to reply.

I am advised that the Food Standards Agency is in the process of gathering information on the cost implications of implementing the changes to European Union food safety legislation proposed by the European Commission last July. This includes information on the likely costs of introducing in full the hazard analysis and critical control point food safety management system. The agency invited comments on the likely costs of meeting the new legal requirements in the initial regulatory impact assessment (RIA) which formed part of its public consultation on the Commission's proposals. An updated RIA will be made available when the European Scrutiny Committee debates the proposals.

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