Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Labour’s Shadow Food and Farming Minister, responding to The Guardian’s investigation into the poultry industry; said:

“These are serious accusations of malpractice in the poultry slaughter and processing sector, and Labour is calling on the FSA to carry out an immediate full and thorough investigation. If it is found that consumers have been put at risk, we would expect swift and strong action to be taken to restore public confidence, including action against individuals and companies if appropriate.

"We are also demanding an explanation from the Chief Executive of the decision to retreat from quarterly reporting by retailers on campylobacter.

"This is the latest food scare to happen under this Government, who were slow to react to the horsemeat scandal, and who have still not published the Elliot Review on food crime which was due in the spring.

"Labour would make food safety and good food governance a top priority again, because the consumer needs constant vigilance against bad practice and criminality.”