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<p>The House of Commons complies with UK legislative standards when procuring food
and drinks from suppliers. Its procurement approach supports and where possible prioritises
the purchase of food and drink produced in Britain. For example:</p><ul><li>The Strangers’
Bar offers Members the opportunity to request that a specific cask ale from an independent,
regional brewer from their constituency be offered for sale.</li><li>As much as possible,
most fresh products purchased by Catering Services are sourced within the UK. This
includes meat, poultry, dairy, bread, eggs and most fruit and vegetables (when in
season). Bought-in sandwiches use British chicken and cheese boards feature only British
cheese. Milk is sourced locally from a British dairy.</li><li>There is a mandatory
inclusion of wines from England and Wales on wine lists.</li><li>Speciality cakes
and dairy ice cream are only UK-made.</li><li>Bottled water is from British source.</li><li>Promotional
activity in catering outlets highlights British food by showcasing a rolling programme
of regional goods.</li></ul><p><br>Certain regulations, such as the Government’s Procurement
Policy Note of December 2020 and increased use of the UK-based Catering Framework,
have allowed for additional freedom for spend on goods and services below certain
price thresholds. Within the limits of these regulations, the House where possible
seeks to hold competitions which only target producers within the UK.</p>
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