Orange Juice (Dilution)

HC Deb 25 January 1954 vol 522 cc1455-6

44. Mrs. White

asked the Minister of Food if he would ensure that diluted orange juice is labelled in such a way as to make it plain that it is not equivalent to fresh orange juice or to the juice sold as an official welfare food for children

Dr. Hill

It would be an offence under existing law to label diluted orange juice as pure orange juice or otherwise to sell, to the prejudice of the purchaser, a food which is not of the nature, substance or quality demanded. I will gladly look into any case the hon. Lady has in mind.

Mrs. White

Has the attention of the hon. Gentleman been called to a report in the "Manchester Guardian" recently that, in parts of Lancashire, orange juice is being sold very strongly diluted, which might delude parents into thinking that they are caring for their children's health when, in fact, the vitamin content is negligible?

Dr. Hill

I have not seen this report, but I will call for it and study it.