Written question asked by John McDonnell (Labour) on Thursday, 6 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2003. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Monday, 24 February 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what investigations have been undertaken by her Department into the production of smokies using imported contaminated carcasses of goats and sheep; and what action the Government has taken to address this issue. - Inc ref to 27 January 2003, 398 c558-9W.

Answer: John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what investigations have been undertaken by her Department into the production of "smokies" using imported contaminated carcases of goats and sheep; and what action the Government have taken to address this issue. [97126] Ms Blears: I have been asked to reply. The production of smokies, whether from imported or domestic carcases, is unlawful because it is a requirement under European Union law that sheep or goat carcases for human consumption be flayed immediately after slaughter. The Food Standards Agency issued guidance on smokies to local enforcement authorities and to border inspection posts in May 2002; since when successful action has been taken on a number of occasions against both imported and domestically produced smokies. The Government are also taking wider action to tackle illegal imports of meat. A recent progress update on this was given in the answer from my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr. Morley) on 27 January 2003, Official Report, column 558W.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 97126; 400 c270W;400 c268W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Contamination Health hazards Import controls Imports Meat Sheep meat Goat meat
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk