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Written question asked by Mike Reader (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Government Departments: Catering

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her department will update the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services to require applicable government agencies to purchase higher welfare products, including cage-free eggs and pork, and chicken sourced from production systems that adhere to the Better Chicken Commitment.

Answer

The National Procurement Policy Statement underscores the government’s commitment to increasing procurement of food that meets higher environmental standards, supporting local suppliers and upholding ethical sourcing practises, including sourcing products raised to high UK welfare standards.

While Defra has begun collecting new data to understand public sector food sourcing, the Government is open to considering all lawful means to increase sustainable and locally sourced food.

The Government is also considering policy options including the potential for updating the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5799
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Animal welfare Catering Government departments Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk