HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1384-5W
Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the labelling with the Union flag of food products processed in the United Kingdom but originating in other countries; and if he will make it his policy to restrict the use of the Union flag to food products originating within the UK. [69618]

Ms Blears

The Food Standards Agency has issued guidance to enforcement authorities on interpretation of the law on country of origin labelling. The guidance makes it clear that the use of the Union flag, or any other indication of United Kingdom origin, on foods produced from ingredients sourced outside the UK may contravene legislation prohibiting misleading labelling. The agency is pressing for a statutory definition of the circumstances under which UK origin, or equivalent, claims can be made.