WILTSHIRE'S Euro MP Dr Caroline Jackson has warned that sub-standard meat could be sold in British shops after former Soviet bloc countries enter the EU in May.

She believes that there is a very real danger that food from slaughterhouses and other plants that do not meet EU hygiene rules will enter the existing European Union from Eastern Europe after the enlargement of the EU.

Dr Jackson said: "The nominee from the Czech Republic, Mr Telicka, was very frank with us that there are many food plants in his country that will not meet EU rules by the due date. He went so far as to say that the Czech authorities may need to close them down.

"We already know that the Polish authorities have asked for exemptions from EU rules for nine months for some 300 meat and dairy plants.

"The trouble is that as from May 1 there will be no checks on food entering the existing EU from such countries.

"It is true that food from non-complying plants in the new member states in Eastern Europe will be labelled as being "only for sale in the country of origin" but there is obviously a huge price advantage in selling it outside those countries for higher prices in Germany and elsewhere.

"I am calling on the European Commission to do its job properly and be much more rigorous in acting to close down non-complying plants, and carrying out thorough inspections.

"The new EU states like Poland and the Czech Republic have known for a long time that they will have to comply with our standards and it is unfair on our consumers, our farmers and our food businesses if they get a longer period to comply now."