§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has concerning proposals for nutritional labelling being prepared by the European Commission; what representations he has made to the Commission concerning any change in the information at present provised to consumers in Britain; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderI understand that the European Commission has just tabled its proposals on voluntary nutrition labelling, although we have not yet received the formal document. Earlier drafts indicate that the proposals are similar to the full nutrition labelling declarations (category III) as contained in the Ministry's guidelines, a revised version of which was issued to the industry in January. As expected, the proposals are for voluntary nutrition labelling but that where nutrition information is given it should be in a mandatory form. As soon as we receive the formal proposals from the European Commission they will as usual be circulated to industry and other interested parties for comment.
§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration is being given by the Food Advisory Committee to the use of graphical representations to accompany numerical nutrition declarations; if he will make it his policy to ensure that all sections of the food industry are consulted before any decision is made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderThe Food Advisory Committee has looked into the possible use of graphical representations to accompany numerical nutrition information and has concluded that further work is required particularly regarding consumer expectations before the various options can be considered further. It is my policy to ensure that all sections of the food industry and other interests are fully consulted about any proposals which may affect them, including, of course, any on the graphical representation of nutrition information.