Written question asked by Austin Mitchell (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2002. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Thursday, 7 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what legislation governs the sale of products labelled as organic; and what bodies are responsible for (a) implementation of and (b) inspections related to such legislation. - Including ref to EC Council Regulation 2092/91.

Answer: Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what legislation governs the sale of products labelled as organic; and what bodies are responsible for (a) implementation of and (b) inspections related to such legislation. [79828] Mr. Meacher: EC Council Regulation 2092/91 (as amended) sets out the labelling requirements, which must be used in organic farming and growing, and the inspection system, which must be put in place to ensure this. All food sold as organic therefore must originate from growers, processors and importers who are registered with a body approved by the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS) and subject to an annual inspection by these bodies. The sale of products labelled as organic is governed in England by The Organic Products Regulations 2001 (2001 No. 430). Local Authorities have enforcement powers to implement these Regulations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 392 c682W;392 c695W; 79828
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Inspections Labelling Public bodies Organic food Regulation Agricultural products
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk