John Wilson MSP

John Wilson MSP has sought reassurance from the Scottish Government regarding the procedures that are in place to monitor the safety of food products produced within the European community, and those imported from the rest of the world.

Mr Wilson was responding to the public concern following the reports of meat contaminated by dioxins from the Irish Republic and further concerns regarding beef herds in Northern Ireland.

Mr Wilson said:
“I welcome the assurance of the Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison, that harmonised measures exist to control the safety of food produced in establishments within the European community and for the control of imports. Only food products imported from outside the European community are considered imports and are therefore subject to imported food controls. A range of measures is in place to monitor the safety of food imported from outside the European community.

“I have sought clarification of the role of the Food Standards Agency, environmental health departments, importers and retailers in monitoring imported foodstuffs, particularly the level of contaminants in imported meat products. It is important to recognise that environmental health services of the local authorities that have responsibility for food safety, but also that the Food Standards Agency check imported foods at points of entry. Veterinary officers employed by local authorities carry out veterinary checks on products of animal origin presented at border inspection posts. Local authorities are also responsible for inland checks.

“Food scares can badly damage the Publics faith in the quality of products both being produce within the European Union, and being imported from the rest of the World.  It is important that all the Agencies involved are working to the highest level in tackling food safety and ensuring that imported food and foods from the European community meet at least the equivalent required public health standard for food produced as set down in the European guidelines.”