COLOURING MATTER IN FOOD

HL Deb 15 February 1988 vol 493 cc488-9WA

Lord Airedale

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether SI 2039 1987, which prohibits the addition of colouring matter in "food specially prepared for babies and young children" is intended to apply to school meals or meals from a children's menu in a restaurant; and if not, whether a further SI will set forth the limit of the application of SI 2039.

Lord Hesketh

The Colouring Matter in Food (Amendment) Regulations 1987 are intended to apply to all foods manufactured or promoted as being specially prepared for babies or young children but they do not extend to all foods that may be given to such babies or young children. Although not part of the original intention of the regulations it may he that foods provided in school meals or restaurants that are also promoted for consumption by babies or young children also fall within the scope of the regulations.