The chairman of the EFRA select committee has expressed disappointment in the Food Standards Agency about a ‘lack of definite action’ in the course of the investigation into hygiene standards at 2 Sisters Food Group.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee launched its inquiry following the undercover footage released by The Guardian and ITN. The evidence sessions looked at the issues raised at the 2 Sisters plant and the role and performance of the Food Standards Agency, Sandwell Metropolitan Council and accreditation bodies.
Neil Parish MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, has written to Steve Brine MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health, in response. The letter outlines concerns that arose following publication of the Committee’s report – and calls for more concrete actions to be taken by the time the Government next responds in February.
The letter specifically requests:
- Confirmation from the Treasury of Government funding for the National Food Crime Unit
- That the Food Standards Agency completes a written agreement with retailers and accreditation bodies confirmation that it will be in receipt of all the food hygiene data they gather
Parish praised the committee’s decision to make CCTV compulsory in abattoirs and said he looked forward to more updates next month.
Neil Parish’s letter can be found here: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/environment-food-rural-affairs/correspondence/180123-Chair-to-Steve-Brine-2sisters.pdf