Written question asked by Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 April 2012. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 April 2012 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Meat

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with (a) the European Commission, (b) the UK meat-processing industry and (c) the devolved Administrations on the European Commission moratorium on the production of desinewed meat.

Answer: The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which has policy responsibility in this area, has had the following discussions on desinewed meat:"(a) The FSA held urgent discussions with senior European Commission (EC) officials once the EC made its position known on desinewed meat, securing an extension to the original five-day deadline for action. The FSA continues to pursue this matter vigorously with the EC at all levels.""(b) The FSA has been in regular contact with businesses and industry representatives since the EC set out its position on desinewed meat. The FSA will continue its work on assessing the impact of the EC decision with industry bodies and affected businesses.""(c) The FSA has been in regular contact with the devolved Administrations to assess the impact of the EC decision and develop practical guidance for affected businesses. The FSA has also been working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on this matter."

Secondary information