§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to ensure standardised colour coding of all types of insulin and a clear identification of strength.
§ Sir George YoungThe containers and packages of insulin preparations must be labelled in accordance with the Medicines (Labelling) Regulations 1976 as amended. These regulations require, inter alia, that the ingredient particulars of a product and its strength and any necessary warning should be shown.
It is important to encourage the careful reading and comprehension of the written label to provide for the safe and proper use of medicines. In view of the effective regulatory labelling requirements and the 308W increasing variety of insulin preparations, I am advised that it is undesirable and could be confusing to propose a mandatory system of colour coding.