§ 33. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will prohibit the use of additives to canned meat which increase its water content.
§ Mr. StrangNo, Sir. There is legislation already in force to control the composition of canned meats. Minimum meat contents are prescribed and general controls are imposed over the nature, substance and quality of the products as sold to the consumer. The additives which may be used are also controlled and the use of a description which might mislead the consumer as to the nature of the product is prohibited.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs my hon. Friend aware that recent well-documented Press reports indicate that some well-known brands of canned ham contain 70 per cent. to 80 per cent. of their weight as water and that there is a 20 per cent. increase as a result of the additives used? Will he, therefore, seek a much more stringent application of the legislation which he outlined in his answer?
§ Mr. StrangI certainly agree with my hon. Friend that we want the most stringent possible application of this legislation, and he has referred to a very important matter. Normally, an excessive addition of water would put products at risk under several provisions of the legislation.