Consumers 'have every reason' for confidence in food says minister.
Restoring confidence in the quality of our food is now a top priority, according to the Welsh Government minister dealing with the horsemeat scandal. Alun Davies has just told AMs that he's held talks with retailers about reassuring consumers.
Food in the United Kingdom is very, very safe. Food poisoning is at very, very low levels.The amount of contamination and the amount of adulteration is very, very small. So consumers have every reason to have every confidence in the food that they provide for their families.
Governments working together on horsemeat investigations
by Adrian Masters
The Welsh Government says it's taking a close interest in the UK-wide investigations which led to the raid on Farm box food. UK Government officials are taking the lead because food labelling isn't a devolved matter.
But I understand the Deputy Minister for Agriculture Alun Davies took part in a phone conference earlier today with Whitehall officials and those from other devolved administrations. He's also issued a new statement:
Integrity and trust are fundamental to consumer confidence in the food chain. I am greatly concerned by allegations following investigations into a meat-processing business near Aberystwyth by the FSA and Dyfed Powys Police.
Welsh Beef has been awarded the European Union’s Protected Geographical Indication status. This means that the whole of the supply chain meets the highest possible standards. In practice this means that only beef from cattle born and reared in Wales and slaughtered and processed in PGI-approved premises can be labelled as Welsh Beef. It is a short supply chain. Abattoirs and processing facilities have to meet strict criteria before they can become PGI-accredited and all products are fully traceable.
All Welsh Beef branded products are subject to rigorous monitoring to maintain and underpin the highest quality and highest standards.
I believe in the quality of Welsh Beef and I trust the integrity of the PGI supply chain. I want to take this opportunity to make clear that consumers can have confidence in products labelled PGI Welsh Beef.