Better Chicken for Hull as local MEP calls for European Food Safety Authority

4.55.00pm GMT Tue 11th Dec 2001

On the day that the UK Food Safety Authority, prompted by reports from Hull City Council, is reporting on water content in chicken breasts, Diana Wallis MEP has welcomed proposals before the European Parliament to set up a European Food Safety Authority.

"Food safety and standards are high on everybody's agendas," Diana Wallis says, "The FSA has found that some chicken served in restaurants and takeaways contains more water than it says on the packet. Much of this is imported processed meat from the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.

"When people eat out in Hull and across the Yorkshire region, they expect to be offered the same quality food that they would cook for themselves at home. Today's FSA report shows the need for a Europe-wide solution."

For over five months, Trading Standards Officers at Hull City Council have been campaigning for action from the FSA. Today's report is as a result of this action. "But the real solution lies outside the remit of the UK Food Safety Authority," continues the Hull-based Euro-MP.

"Within a single market in Europe, it makes sense to have a single Europe-wide Food Safety Authority as well."

The FSA News Release is available at www.food.gov.uk