Horsemeat (Food Fraud)

Kerry McCarthy Excerpts
Monday 11th February 2013

(11 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My hon. Friend has a good point. People are quite right to have great faith in their local suppliers—transport times are reduced, there is clear traceability and there will be clear local knowledge. I repeat: we have great local producers, rigorous traceability systems and stringent production systems, and we end up with superb quality.

Kerry McCarthy Portrait Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

The Secretary of State professes great concern about what is in our meat and the importance of accurate food labelling, yet according to press reports, the UK is trying to get an exemption from EU regulations that would limit to below 50% the amount of fat and connective tissue that can be used to bulk up minced meat. Does that not completely fly in the face of what he has tried to tell the House today?

Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

No, we operate on professional advice.