HC Deb 13 April 2000 vol 348 cc282-3W
Barbara Follett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department is taking to ensure clear labelling of food with regard to country of origin. [117729]

Ms Stuart

Origin labelling rules are harmonised at EU level. We are actively pressing for a review of these rules, and of international guidelines, to improve the amount and clarity of origin information on food labels.

Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made since 1 January 2000 in labelling all food with the country of origin. [117734]

Ms Stuart

On 1 February my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issued tough new guidance to industry and enforcement authorities emphasising the need to ensure that country of origin markings on food labels are unambiguous.

Origin labelling rules are harmonised at European Union level. We are actively pressing for a review of these rules, and of international guidelines, to improve the amount and clarity of origin information on food labels.