§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his current policy in respect of seeking an exemption under the EC rules for food labelling for irradiated ingredients: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI am fully committed to providing consumers with information on food labels to enable them to choose between foods which have been irradiated and those which have not. Rules for the labelling of all foods and listed food ingredients which have been irradiated have already been agreed by the EC. Further proposals on food irradiation currently before the Council of Ministers include more detailed rules on the labelling of irradiated ingredients. I am seeking to ensure that the further requirements on ingredient declarations are as comprehensive as practicable.