Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour) on Monday, 10 November 2008.

Defra: Inspectors

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has appointed inspectors to investigate the labelling of caviar; and how such inspectors work with local authority hygiene inspectors who visit food preparation centres, shops and restaurants.

Answer: Animal Health, an executive agency of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has a panel of part-time wildlife inspectors who undertake inspections of those trading commercially in species subject of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Caviar normally refers to the eggs of species of sturgeon. All species of sturgeon are subject of CITES. Sixteen wildlife inspectors have received specific training relating to the labelling of and trade in caviar. A CITES compliance regime has been undertaken by wildlife inspectors. No work has yet been undertaken with local authority hygiene inspectors to complete joint visits to food preparation centres, shops and restaurants. It is anticipated that such visits will be developed in the future.

Secondary information