Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
First Report - COVID-19 and food supply
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 263
Published 30 July 2020
Government response
COVID-19 and food supply: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report · published 10 Oct 2020
Recommendations & Conclusions
4
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 18
We heard concerns about the relaxation of competition law on smaller retailers and their suppliers.
Recommendation
We heard concerns about the relaxation of competition law on smaller retailers and their suppliers. Smaller retailers played a vital role in providing food to people during the pandemic, particularly where they were unable to get to supermarkets, and we …
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Government Response Summary
The government explains that exclusion orders clearly state the criteria for their validity, implying conditions for expiration are inherent. It also highlights ongoing monitoring by the GCA and close work with the Association of Convenience Stores, which has found no significant detrimental issues to consumers or suppliers from the relaxation of competition law.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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9
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 48
During the early stages of the pandemic, however, supply to food banks and food aid...
Recommendation
During the early stages of the pandemic, however, supply to food banks and food aid organisations was disrupted. At the same time, a significant amount of food is still being wasted in the supply chain. Food waste must always be …
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Government Response Summary
The government explains that approximately £5 million of a £16 million fund has been allocated for food redistribution and commits to evaluating the impact of the £63 million provided to local authorities. However, the specific recommendation for continued annual £5 million funding for FareShare for two years is not explicitly accepted, instead linking it to evaluation of a broader pilot and future spending review.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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21
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
While there have been some outbreaks in meat and poultry processing plants in England and...
Recommendation
While there have been some outbreaks in meat and poultry processing plants in England and Wales, these have been in the minority, which is a testament to the efforts of the industry to keep workers safe. Further investigations should be …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to conducting investigations into transmission pathways in food processing plants with multiple agencies. However, it does not explicitly commit to gathering data on disincentives to self-isolate or specifically evaluating migrant worker issues as recommended.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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