HC Deb 09 February 1948 vol 447 cc16-7W
95. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Food what tinned foods for which the guaranteed period of their good condition has expired, are still being put into distribution by his Department.

Dr. Summerskill

The only tinned foods which are being distributed for which a warranty period may have expired are surpluses returned by the Service Departments. The warranty expiry date indicates the period for which the manufacturer will accept responsibility for fitness for human consumption, irrespective of the climatic conditions of storage; it does not represent the limit of the keeping qualities. The quantity of these goods still awaiting disposal is approximately 10,000 tons, the greater part of which is overseas and comprises fish, fruit, jam, meat, milk and vegetables.