VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Animal Welfare: Standards

Asked by Mr Tanmanjeet Singh DhesiLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 2 September 2026UIN 19419

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps her Department has taken to ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations within the (a) meat and (b) dairy industry.

Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The Animal and Plant Agency (APHA), as the national regulator for farmed animal welfare in Great Britain, undertakes proactive and reactive inspections on farms to monitor compliance with legislation. Official veterinarians of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are present in all approved slaughterhouses to monitor and enforce welfare requirements at slaughter. The APHA and FSA investigate all potential animal welfare non-compliances that come to their attention and appropriate action is taken against anyone who breaks the law.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim