§ Keith Vaz:To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will urge food manufacturers to label their foods more precisely in order to avoid serious allergic reactions with particular reference to anaphylactic shock. [176580]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson:New European Union rules on ingredients listing for pre-packed foods have been agreed recently (Directive 2003/89/EC); they will require declaration of all ingredients on the label, with only a small number of exemptions allowed. No exemptions are allowed for 12 specified food allergens and their allergenic derivatives: these include those allergens most often associated with anaphylactic shock. This will help those with food allergies identify products they may need to avoid. The now rules will come into effect in November 2005. In the meantime, the Food Standards Agency has issued advice encouraging voluntary declaration of specified allergens.