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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of charges levied on abattoirs to fund meat hygiene inspections since the High Court ruling on that matter on 3rd June 2026.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) respects the Court's judgment but disagrees with aspects of it and is seeking permission to appeal. The FSA’s priority is to maintain effective official controls inspections that provide essential assurance for the domestic and export markets and to minimise disruption for businesses and consumers. The FSA is considering the impact on chargeable activities and its response to the Judgment’s conclusions.