§ Lord Reaasked Her Majesty's Government:
In the light of the report of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA), with which consumer organisations they are holding discussions on food labelling;
Following the recommendations of the report of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA), when they expect to announce proposals for improved quantitative and qualitative food labelling;
Whether they are holding any informal discussions with representatives of the food industry about improved labelling, and whether there is any medical or consumer input to these discussions;
What organisations and individuals have been involved in all formal or informal discussions on improved food labelling being held presently and held over the past 12 months; and
Which consumer organisations they have asked to conduct research into aspects of food labelling, and when they expect the results of this research to be available.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)Over the last 12 months my department has had many contacts and discussions on improved food labelling. These have been with representatives of trade associations, consumer interests, enforcement authorities, commercial companies or private individuals, and cover both formal meetings,ad hoc contacts and exchanges of correspondence.
Currently my department and the Department of Health and Social Security are holding informal discussions with representatives of the food industry about the practicalities of fat content labelling of food. These discussions are covering the fat content labelling recommendations of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA) Panel Report on Diet and Cardiovascular Disease, and also, at the request of industry, nutrition labelling. A medical adviser from the Department of Health and Social Security attends the meetings.
My officials are also maintaining contact with consumer interests on developments arising from the COMA Panel Report, and their views are taken into account in discussions with industry. In collaboration with the Consumers' Association and the National Consumer Council, my department has initiated a study on consumer attitudes to and understanding of fat content and nutrition labelling, with the results expected in spring 1985.
We are still considering the Government's response to the COMA Panel Report's recommendations on food labelling. These recommendations are far reaching in their effects, but we hope to be able to make an announcement within the next three months.
565WA