Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with EU representatives on labelling requirements for UK food companies in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

Negotiations with the EU are currently restricted to the withdrawal deal. The status of UK food products in the EU market will depend on the outcome of those negotiations.

Following a consultation exercise with the food industry, discussions with the European Commission, and agreement with Defra, the final design for the new health and ID marks has been agreed. This will ensure the UK continues to have the ability to export products of animal origin to the EU. We are also aiming to be recognised by the EU as having equivalence to organic standards and establish reciprocal arrangements though at present there is no agreement on this.

Leaving the EU with a deal remains the Government’s top priority. As a responsible Government would, we are accelerating no deal preparations to ensure the country is prepared for every eventuality. Businesses and citizens should ensure they are similarly prepared.