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Written question asked by Rupert Lowe (Restore Britain) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 May 2026. It was answered by Sharon Hodgson (Labour) on Friday, 5 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Slaughterhouses

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2026 to Question 126871, if he will require the Food Standards Agency to record Official Veterinarian and Official Auxiliary supervision time associated with stunned and non‑stunned slaughter separately.

Answer

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) does not record Official Veterinarian or Official Auxiliary time, associated costs, or enforcement activity by slaughter method. As such, the FSA does not hold data that would enable a direct comparison between stunned and non-stunned slaughter in relation to supervision time, inspection or enforcement costs, or levels of animal welfare non-compliance.

The FSA also does not collect data on the volume of meat derived from animals slaughtered without stunning. There are currently no plans for the FSA to introduce requirements to collect this information.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has lead responsibility for animal welfare policy.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3103
Session
2026-27
Related items
Slaughterhouses
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Food Standards Agency Animal welfare Meat Slaughterhouses
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk