Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress has been made on shortening supply chains in food production; and if she will make a statement.

Supply chains vary considerably and there is no ‘one size fits all’ for a sustainable supply chain. There are good examples of both short and longer, more complicated supply chains. Assurance measures and traceability of produce are key to a sustainable food chain.

The Government has made it clear that following the vulnerabilities highlighted by the horsemeat fraud incident all food businesses need to review their own systems and test their products to demonstrate to consumers that they are in control of their supply chains. It is in the interest of the industry, as well as their legal obligation, to ensure the authenticity and safety of the products that they supply to their customers.