§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether food containing irradiated spices is required to be labelled as containing irradiated ingredients; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerUnder The Food Labelling (Amendment) (Irradiated Food) Regulations 1990, which came into force on 1 January 1991, all irradiated prepacked foods and listed food ingredients, including herbs and spices, are required to carry an indication on the label that they have been irradiated, using the words "irradiated" or "treated with ionising radiation". Similar provisions apply to non-prepacked foods. In the case of foods sold in catering establishments, for practical reasons, a general statement is permitted for herbs and spices to the effect that food sold in the establishment contains, or may contain, irradiated seasonings.