Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Monday, 17 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 March 2003. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 March 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the detection of beef and pork proteins in imported chicken. - Inc figures.

Answer: Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the detection of beef and pork proteins in imported chicken. [103933] Ms Blears: The Food Standards Agency has recently published results showing that some frozen chicken products on sale in wholesale outlets in the United Kingdom are not properly labelled. Twelve of the 25 samples tested contained pork DNA, and one contained beef DNA. These findings do not raise any safety concerns, but they are unacceptable, particularly since 11 of the samples containing pork DNA were labelled as "Halal". The FSA is working closely with local enforcement authorities, who are now deciding what action to take against the wholesalers. It is also pursuing the matter with the competent authority in the Netherlands, where most of these products were processed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 103933; 402 c186W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Contamination Labelling Food Standards Agency Meat Meat products Netherlands Poultry meat
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk