Food (Nutrition Claims) (Hansard, 30 June 1988)

§ Mr. Donald Thompson

I am aware of the strong consumer interest in diet and health which has led to a new generation of nutrition claims for many food products. Such claims can have a disproportionate impact upon consumers, undermining the numerical information given in accordance with our voluntary nutrition labelling guidelines, and can mislead consumers not least because the messages are not consistent across all foods. I am also aware that the industry would find guidance on the criteria to be used in establishing such claims useful in the labelling and marketing of their products. The Food Advisory Committee (FAC) has therefore considered this issue in detail and I have now received the committee's advice, for which I am most grateful.

The FAC has concluded that there is a need for controls and that it may be sensible for these to be drawn up along the lines of the existing claims provisions in the Food Labelling Regulations 1984, which already cover certain nutrients such as protein, polyunsaturates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

I am, however, aware that any legislation may mean changes for some food manufacturers and retailers wishing to make nutrition claims. It is not my intention to impose any unreasonable burdens on the industry, but, at the same time, I wish to ensure that consumers are protected and have adequate information to make choices. I am therefore arranging for the FAC's advice to be sent to the representative organisations of all the interests concerned to seek their views on the legislative approach and on the particular recommendations. A copy of the FAC advice has been placed in the Library of the House.

My colleagues in the Health and Agriculture Departments share my views on this, and consultations with the interested organisations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also be undertaken.