Written question asked by Keith Simpson (Conservative) on Monday, 8 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 July 2002. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 July 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what measures his Department is taking to prevent the import of frozen chicken breasts adulterated with beef protein powder which could present a risk of BSE. - (Holding answer 11 July 2002).

Answer: Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department is taking to prevent the import of frozen chicken breasts adulterated with beef protein powder which could present a risk of BSE. [68849] Ms Blears: [holding answer 11 July 2002]: As a result of the Food Standards Agency's survey and subsequent work by the Food Safety Authority-Ireland, the agency has approached the authorities of the exporting countries to ensure correct labelling of these products. The agency is working with local authorities to follow up survey findings and take prosecutions where appropriate. The issue has also been raised with other member states, and the European Commission have agreed to take action against the Dutch authorities if they do not ensure correct labelling of frozen chicken breast exported to member states. All bovine material entering the food chain is subject to European Union-wide BSE controls. Therefore, provided these controls have been applied, any traces of beef that may be in any other products would not raise new food safety concerns.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 68849; 389 c431W;389 c430-1W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Health hazards Food Imports Meat Meat products Safety BSE Poultry meat
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk