§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under what circumstances the inclusion in food of colouring matter is deemed to be necessary.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Food Advisory Committee (FAC),in its review of the Colouring Matter in Food Regulations 1973, discussed the need for colours to be added to food. It concluded that the responsible use of colours continues to have a role in providing consumers with a choice of attractively presented foods. It also, however, recommended stricter controls on their use including an extension to the list of foods which currently must not contain added colours. I announced in the House on 29 November last year the Government's acceptance of the FAC's recommendations. I therefore refer the hon. Member to 75W the committee's final report on the review and its response to comments received on its final report, copies of which have already been placed in the Library of the House.