New inquiry into standards in poultry processing and 2 Sisters

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee is to look at the allegations of food safety breaches at the 2 Sisters Food Group at West Bromwich, highlighted in the recent ITN/Guardian footage.

The short inquiry will look into the role and performance of the regulatory and accreditation bodies in maintaining food standards and food safety and the potential ramifications of the allegations made against 2 Sisters for the poultry sector and the food chain.

Evidence from 2 Sisters and others

The committee, which is chaired by Devon Conservative MP Neil Parish, will take evidence from 2 Sisters Food Group chief executive and owner Ranjit Singh Boparan on 25 October.

It will also hear from representatives from the Food Standards Agency, Assured Food Standards and the British Poultry Council.

Mr Parish met the US Agriculture Minister Sonny Perdue in Westminster on 12 October for talks on key challenges and opportunities for UK-US agri-food trade, including poultry, following Brexit.

Commenting on the meeting, Mr Parish said: “It really matters to UK farmers and consumers that agreement on Tariff Rate Quotas is reached quickly with World Trade Organisation countries – including the US. The outcome will significantly affect the competitiveness of goods produced in the UK and have an impact on wider trade negotiations.”