Maria Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the NAO report on ‘Food safety and authenticity in the processed meat supply chain’, said:

“It’s clear from this report that David Cameron’s botched departmental reorganisation created confusion about who was responsible for ensuring that meat was not wrongly being passed off as beef. Added to this confusion was the complete failure of Ministers to take seriously the possibility that horsemeat was entering the food chain, despite clear indications of an increased risk that this was taking place.

“The chaotic structure put in place after the election should urgently be reviewed, with serious consideration given to bringing responsibility for food safety and authenticity back together.”