HC Deb 07 December 1971 vol 827 cc1113-4
19. Sir A. Meyer

asked the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will initiate discussions with food packers and wholesalers in order to secure the adoption of a standard system of date-stamping perishable foods readily comprehensible by retailers which will enable them to avoid the risk of unwittingly selling stale food.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to Questions by the hon. Member for Accrington (Mr. Arthur Davidson) and others on 2nd March, 1971, the Food Standards Committee is reviewing the whole question of date marking of food. Evidence has been received from many interested parties, including consumers, food packers and wholesalers.—[Vol. 812; c. 1377 –80.]

Sir A. Meyer

Is my hon. Friend aware that retailers, particularly small retailers, are faced with a problem in deciding, or trying to remember, whether stocks came in fresh or with a time lag on them? Will he ensure that proper account is paid to the difficulties experienced by these people?

Mr. Stodart

That is one of the reasons why the Committee is anxious not to hurry through a complex subject.

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