§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to complete his consideration of the need for comprehensive food labelling.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Government issued on 4 August 1992 their final response to the recommendations arising from the Food Advisory Committee's report of its comprehensive review of food labelling legislation and practices. Most of the recommendations were accepted and most will require action at EC level. Proposals to amend the EC Food Labelling Directive are currently before the Council of Ministers and would introduce requirements concerning quantitative declaration of ingredients, ingredient listing of alcoholic drinks and revised provisions on the name of the food. We expect the Commission shortly to make proposals to control claims made in food labelling and advertising. On nutrition labelling, the Government have recently issued for consultation draft regulations implementing the EC Nutrition Labelling Directive. These are due to take effect in October 1993.