§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether there is a Statutory Instrument controlling the water content of sausages; and whether he is contemplating taking steps to deal with any manufacturer who wishes to advance the price of sausages through added water weight.
§ Mr. StrangI have been asked to reply.
There is no direct control on the water content of sausages, but under the Sausage and Other Meat Product Regulations 1967 50 per cent. of a sausage must be meat. The addition of water to food has been considered by the Food Standards Committee which advises on all aspects of composition and labelling of food. Its report will be published shortly. It is also reviewing regulations on meat products and will take into account the addition of water to sausages and other meat products. My right hon. Friend, the Minister, will need to consider any recommendations made and the comments made by interested parties before deciding if changes in legislation are necessary.