Coffey to look at FSA change in wake of food scandal

Defra secretary Therese Coffey has committed to looking at bringing the Food Standards Agency (FSA) under Defra’s remit in the wake of the food scandal uncovered by Farmers Weekly.

During Defra questions in the House of Commons this morning (30 March), ministers from the department were asked repeatedly about their response to the Farmers Weekly investigation.

See also: Exclusive – Mass food fraud and safety scandal engulfs sector

The chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee, Sir Robert Goodwill, said: “There’s been an awful read in this week’s Farmers Weekly that food labelled as British has actually come from elsewhere and food not fit for human consumption has been going into the food chain.

“In the report, it’s quite clear the FSA have been misled and hoodwinked by these operators. Is there a case to bring the FSA within Defra rather than in the Department for Health and Social Care?”

Ms Coffey responded: “I thank the select committee chairman. He’s right, the Farmers Weekly has provided an interesting investigation here.

“It is true the Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial department and is accountable to the Department for Health and Social Care, but there is active engagement.

“The machinery of government change he proposes is one of interest, and I will consider that in line with the prime minister.”

Shadow farming minister Daniel Zeichner also raised the issue, saying the Labour Party had sought a ministerial statement on the investigation to “reassure the public”.

A statement was not made, as a criminal investigation into the matter is under way.