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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Friday, 15 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Thursday, 28 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food: Public Sector

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress has she made in ensuring that 50% of food across the public sector is UK-sourced.

Answer

A new national procurement policy statement was published which sets expectations for government contracts to favour products certified to high environmental standards that British producers are well-placed to meet.

Given the limited information on the origin and sustainability of food in public sector supply chains, Defra has begun collecting new data to understand the extent to which public sector settings are serving food from local sustainable sources and what further action is needed.

Defra is considering the policy options available to deliver further on its ambitions for public sector food, including potentially updating the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1738
Session
2026-27
Related items
Food: Public Sector
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Food Public sector Procurement
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk