§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the Food Standards Agency in terms of assessing the safety of imported meat. [79279]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 4 November 2002]: Department of Health Ministers have regular discussions with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). I am satisfied that the FSA is making use of the best available science in assessing the safety of imported meat, and is applying proportionate controls on declared meat imports. The Meat Hygiene Service, which is an executive agency of the FSA, has been particularly effective in checking consignments of imported carcass beef for the presence of specified risk material. The FSA is also playing a full part in the Government's programme of action against illegally smuggled meat.