§ Mr. Greg KnightTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to require all pre-packed or bottled foods or beverages to list on a label affixed thereto their sodium content.
§ Mr. RyderWe are strongly encouraging manufacturers and retailers to adopt the fullest format of voluntary nutrition declarations, including sodium content, set out in the guidelines on nutrition labelling issued on 21 January. Many are already providing this information. Recent European Community proposals on voluntary nutrition labelling, which we have just formally received, would introduce a format which is, as expected, broadly similar to the one set out in our guidelines and would thus include sodium in the list of nutrients. The Community proposals would also provide for the labelling of certain nutrients to be made compulsory where, after taking account of the medical evidence, this is considered necessary in order to protect or enhance the health of the population or important groups of it. We will be consulting with a wide range of interested parties on the Community proposals and will fully take account of views in forthcoming negotiations.