OFFENCES FOR INTRODUCING UNFIT MEAT INTO THE HUMAN FOOD CHAIN

Early day motion 1876, tabled 3 November 2004 by Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 51 members.

That this House believes that, as shown by recent high-profile cases in Amber Valley, Rotherham, Ceredigion and Tower Hamlets, criminals are reaping significant rewards from large-scale meat crimes and often going unpunished; is concerned that these criminals are undeterred because of the inadequate penalties currently available under the Food Safety Act 1990 and the difficulties associated with bringing successful prosecutions for conspiracy to defraud; believes that, for these reasons, a new legal offence is required, applying to those who introduce unfit meat into the human food chain and those who trade in it; and further believes that this offence should be associated with penalties which are sufficiently severe to deter callous criminals who are indifferent to human and animal health, the reputation of the farming industry and the bio-security of the United Kingdom.

Signatures by party: Labour 25, Liberal Democrat 17, DUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1.