HC Deb 27 February 1996 vol 272 cc489-90W
Mr. Galbraith

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to ensure that the peanut content of food is listed on the packaging; and if he will make a statement. [16302]

Mrs. Browning

The European Community's Scientific Committee for Food has recently reported on the subject of food intolerance. We expect the EC Commission to pursue revised labelling rules on the basis of this scientific opinion.

In the meantime, following discussions between my officials and industry and consumer representatives, there is an increased awareness of nut allergy within the industry. Many manufacturers are now voluntarily labelling the presence of nuts on their labels and some have considered the reformulation of their products.