MP welcomes FSA briefing and highlights importance of protecting food standards

Ms Lockhart said: “The email from FSA chair Professor Susan Jebb provided a useful insight into the work being undertaken by the organisation, particularly in tackling food crime, addressing food safety risks associated with imported produce and supporting innovation within the food sector.

“The FSA’s work is crucial to protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in our food supply.

“A National Food Crime Unit investigation has resulted in seven people facing charges relating to an alleged conspiracy to supply meat unfit for human consumption. This underlines why robust enforcement is so important. There must be no place for those who put public health at risk or undermine legitimate food businesses.

“I am also concerned by the findings relating to contaminated eggs imported from Ukraine. It is important that consumers are protected from foodborne illness and that appropriate safeguards are in place when imported food enters UK markets.”

The Upper Bann MP said these recent developments reinforce why the UK must take food security seriously. She continued: "Northern Ireland has an outstanding farming and agri-food sector, producing high-quality food to exacting standards. We should be doing everything possible to champion those who produce our food, rather than becoming increasingly reliant on imports from around the world.

“Supporting local farmers and food producers is not simply about protecting livelihoods. It is about strengthening our domestic food supply, supporting rural communities, creating jobs and ensuring that we retain the ability to feed our nation.

“The Government should be making it easier for locally produced food to reach consumers, including through public procurement in schools, hospitals and other public services. There is little sense in importing food from thousands of miles away when high-quality produce is available on our own doorstep.”

Carla Lockhart MP said she wants to see greater recognition of the contribution made by Northern Ireland farmers. “They invest heavily in animal health, welfare, environmental improvements and food safety. Therefore, local farmers and growers deserve a marketplace that rewards high standards, rather than one which leaves them competing against cheaper imports that may not be produced under equivalent regulations.”

The MP continued: “It is encouraging to see the FSA taking steps to strengthen food safety enforcement at local level, and provide clearer guidance around emerging food products, including cell-cultivated meat. Innovation must never come at the expense of consumer safety or transparency.

“Farmers across Northern Ireland and Great Britain operate within an extensive regulatory framework, and should not be undermined by cheaper imports produced to different standards.”

Ms Lockhart concluded: “With discussions ongoing around a future UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement, it is vital that food safety, consumer confidence and the interests of our domestic farming and food processing sectors remain central to negotiations.

“I look forward to further engagement with the FSA in Westminster next month.”