§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when Her Majesty's Government initially pledged themselves to introduce new laws to improve food labelling; when that proposed legislation is expected to be introduced; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderWe have for a number of years been following a policy of moving away from strict compositional standards for food (recipe law) which restrict consumer choice towards an improved system of food labelling, to ensure that consumers are given adequate information of food labels and are able to make an informed choice. European Community policy is also following the same course.
As part of the Community's food law harmonisation programme, amendments to the Community food labelling directive, are expected to be adopted by the Council very shortly, following which these will need to be implemented into United Kingdom law.
The main changes for the United Kingdom are on datemarking of foods. Proposals on nutrition labelling are also under discussion in Brussels. These aim to standardise the presentation of nutrition information so that it is easier for consumers to compare products and to achieve a balanced diet. Other proposals for improved food labelling are also expected to be tabled in the run up to 1992.