HC Deb 03 May 1978 vol 949 cc180-1W
Mr. Ovenden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to strengthen existing legislation governing the addition of water to meat and meat products to ensure that such addition is not made solely or mainly to increase weight.

Mr. Bishop

This matter has been considered by the Food Standards Committee which advises on all aspects of composition and labelling of food. Its general report on water in food will be published next month; but it will consider the detailed problems of water in meat products in a further review, the report of which will be published early next year. My right hon. Friend will need to consider these recommendations and the comments on them made by interested parties before deciding what changes in legislation are necessary.