§ 3. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which categories of dried fruit are treated with liquid paraffin before sale to the public; what indication is given about this on the labels or containers; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mrs. Peggy Fenner)The only dried fruit which are permitted by the Mineral Hydrocarbons in Food Regulations 1966 to contain liquid paraffin are prunes, currants, sultanas and raisins. The Labelling of Food Regulations 1970 require that a list of ingredients is given on most pre-packed foods, including dried fruit. The presence of liquid paraffin should, therefore, be indicated on the label.
§ Mrs. ButlerHow far has the Food Standards Committee in its review of the Hydrocarbon Oils in Food Regulations gone to hear consumer concern about this practice and its unsatisfactory nutritional effects, particularly as no warning is ever 394 displayed that the liquid paraffin should be thoroughly washed off the food before it is eaten? Would it not be satisfactory to substitute an effective vegetable oil for the liquid paraffin in view of the difficulties?
§ Mrs. FennerInvestigations continue into other substances. The Food Standards Committee found no evidence that the practice constituted a risk to the health of the consumer. The hon. Member asked when the Food Additives and Contaminates Committee would be reporting on its current review on the use of mineral hydro-carbons. Comments have been invited from all interested organisations, including users, enforcement authorities and consumers, so we shall have ample opportunity for examining the views of those concerned when the committee reports.