Maria Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, commenting on reports that the Government blocked publication of a report into the horsemeat scandal, said:

“The horsemeat scandal and the recent investigation into the poultry industry exposed clear failings in the food supply chain and a lack of consumer protection.

“That’s why the Government’s continued delay in publishing the Elliott Review is bad for consumers and bad for the industry.

“Consumers rightly deserve to know what they are eating, where it has been produced and that there is a robust response mechanism when serious incidents occur so that the regulator and the industry can deal with it effectively.

“The Government must show leadership to restore confidence in food industry. It must publish and then act on this review urgently before we face another food scandal.”