Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 December 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 December 1998. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 December 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will ensure that imported (a) pork and (b) chicken has not been reared and fed on bonemeal or other animal by-products. - (Holding answer 14 December 1998).

Answer: Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that imported (a) pork and (b) chicken has not been reared and fed on bonemeal or other animal by-products. [63835] Mr. Rooker: [holding answer 14 December 1998]: No. The ban on meat and bonemeal in pig and chicken feed in the United Kingdom is to prevent cross contamination of ruminant feed with meat and bonemeal incorporated into feed for other farm animals. There is, therefore, no basis on which it would be reasonable to restrict imports of pig meat or chicken. However, my hon. Friend may be aware that the Government have received undertakings from the major retailers that all own label fresh pork, bacon, ham and sausages sold in their supermarkets will come from meat and bonemeal (and stall and tether) free production systems.

Secondary information