The chief executive of 2 Sisters apologised to consumers in a public inquiry into the operation of its plants after a media investigation revealed it was tampering with kill dates of chickens.

Ranjit Singh Boparan appeared before an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee inquiry on Wednesday. The Food Standards Agency, Sandwell Metropolitan Council and accreditation bodies also appeared at the inquiry to explore the potential ramifications of the allegations on the wider food chain.

“This case highlights how important it is for the regulatory and accreditation bodies to work together effectively and restore confidence in both public food hygiene and farming across the country,” chair of the committee, Neil Parish, said.