The Food Ethics Council has commissioned the Food and Fairness Inquiry into looking at issues of fairness, responsibility and food security.

The inquiry is led by a committee that includes leading figures from sectors and communities with a stake in food and farming.

It is inviting anyone with an interest in the subject to submit evidence on any of its themes until July 16.

The inquiry will collate the written evidence and hold public hearings in September, October and November, reporting in the spring of 2010.

Helen Browning OBE, chairing the inquiry, said: “The British public has an in-built sense of fairness - just think of the outcry over MPs’ expenses. But being fair isn’t always a simple case of right and wrong. What if fairness clashes with another aim, like tackling climate change or improving public health? How do we decide then what counts as the right thing to do?

“From fair trade to global hunger, food can teach us a lot. It’s seen some of the boldest efforts to tackle inequality and some of the worst cases of exploitation.

“We want as many people as possible to contribute to our inquiry, and help increase the profile and clarity of debates about food and fairness. We want to hear first-hand experiences from consumers and people working in food and farming, as well as relevant research.”

Once the committee has received the evidence, it will seek to understand the responsibilities of the UK government, businesses and public in promoting a fair global food system.

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