Cheese Spreads (Standard)

HC Deb 14 December 1953 vol 522 cc25-6

40. Mr. P. Wells

asked the Minister of Food if he will take steps to adopt a minimum standard for so-called cheese spreads, some of which have been found to be of very low food content

Major Lloyd George

The Food Standards Committee are looking into this and I will consider their recommendations when they are received.

Mr. Wells

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that samples taken in Kent have proved very unsatisfactory, one containing no less than 59.6 of liquid? Is not the cost of the spread a very high price to pay for water?

Major Lloyd George

I agree, but some of that liquid is very popular over here. The difficulty is to ascertain how to state the liquid content on the label. This is being looked into now, and as soon as that is done I shall take action.

Mr. McAdden

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that these cheese spreads, and, indeed, most unrationed cheeses, are 25 per cent. cheaper now than they were two years ago?

Hon. Members

Water.