To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish a system of standard food sampling rates in consultation with food authorities. (285211)

The Food Standard Agency (FSA) as the Central Competent Authority in the United Kingdom for controls on feed and food (safety and standards), has no plans to set sampling rates for local authorities. Local authority food sampling responsibilities are set out in the statutory Food Law Code of Practice (Separate parallel Codes of Practice exist for each of the four UK countries). Local authorities are required to put together a sampling programme which details their intended food sampling priorities, taking into account the number, type and risk rating of premises in their area and any national or local consumer issues that may influence sampling rates. Also important are any responsibilities under the originating or home authority principle.

Local authorities may be audited against the Code of Practice requirements as part of the FSA’s audit scheme (as part of the Framework Agreement on Local Authority Food Law Enforcement).

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make an evaluation of the cost effectiveness of food screening laboratories. (285212)

The Food Standard Agency has not carried out an evaluation of the cost effectiveness of food screening laboratories. However, the cost effectiveness of the analytical provision for local authorities is assured as a result of the current requirement for local authorities to appoint a public analyst through competitive tender. This allows local authorities to choose to send samples to laboratories that are competitive in terms of price and quality of service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to local authorities on levels of their budgets for chemical analysis of food. (285245)

Local authority food sampling responsibilities are set out in the Food Law Code of Practice (separate parallel Codes of Practice exist for each of the four United Kingdom countries). Local authorities are required to put together a sampling programme which details their intended food sampling priorities, taking into account the number, type and risk rating of premises in their area and any national or local consumer issues that may influence sampling rates. Also important are any responsibilities under the originating or home authority principle.

Local authorities must ensure the resources necessary to carry out the food sampling programme are made available.