The “problems identified” at the 2 Sisters plant at West Bromwich, are “not a one-off”, according to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Commons Select Committee’s first conclusions report, after an inquiry into allegations made in an exposé by ITV and The Guardian.
Adding that "the past record of the 2 Sisters Food Group is far from pristine and there are valid questions to be asked of its corporate governance structure", the report notes that the committee is concerned at the “apparent laxity of the oversight of the Site D facility”, which is described as an “incredibly important part of the poultry food chain”.
However, the report highlights that MPs were “pleased to hear of the short and medium-term steps he (Ranjit Singh Boparan) is taking to prevent a re-occurrence and future stoppages in his plant”.
Looking at the accreditation and investigation bodies, the committee stated it was “surprised to hear of the apparently patchwork nature of the accreditation process”, adding that “it appears relatively simple for someone to game the system and hide infractions - by opting out of unannounced visits by the accreditors for example - and the lack of joined up intelligence and knowledge sharing seemingly presents many gaps into which misdemeanours can fall”.
Both Red Tractor and BRC Global Standards had accredited the 2 Sisters plant in question.
The report notes that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is “keen to upgrade its role to include an investigatory function”, but adds: “We are concerned at the suggestion from the FSA that the funding necessary to complete this upgrade has not been immediately forthcoming from the Treasury and is instead seemingly stuck in limbo.
“We would like to assume that this recent incident, and our subsequent inquiry, has provided the impetus for the necessary funding to be made available.”
The committee is recommending that Defra and FSA confirm to itself in response to the report that “this is the case and the required funds have been released”.
With regard to 2 Sisters, the report adds: “We request that Mr Boparan continues to update us on his progress in both installing these new measures and on re-establishing his supplier relationship with the main retailers.”
Concluding, the report reads: “We recommend that the Food Standards Agency provide us with a written assurance that each reform promised to us by the accreditation agencies, 2 Sisters Food Group and the FSA itself has been made, no later than six months from publication of this report.
“We further request an interim update no later than three months from publication of this report.”
The committee will consider its future actions, including whether to re-open the inquiry, upon receipt of the aforementioned update.
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