§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on the potential redefinition of British yoghurt products containing fruit and/or nuts under Codex proposals. [30696]
§ Mr. RookerThe UK is opposed to any definition of 'yoghurt' which might unreasonably restrict product innovation and diversity, without providing any clear benefit to our consumers. The UK believes that the definition of composite yoghurt products, containing ingredients such as fruit or nuts, is unnecessary in the draft Codex text.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has received from(a) consumers and (b) retailers in respect of the Codex proposals on the labelling of bio-yoghurt products; [30695]
(2) what representations he has received from (a) the Dairy Industry Federation and (b) the International Dairy Federation following the Codex proposals regarding the labelling of bio-yoghurt products. [30694]
§ Mr. RookerThe Department has received no formal representations from consumers, or the International Dairy Federation, concerning the draft codex text covering yoghurt. However, the Provision Trade Federation, who represent some retailers, and the Dairy Industry Federation have written to express their opposition to the draft text as it restricts the use of the term yoghurt to products which contain cultures ofStreptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii.subsp. 274W bulgaricus only. Both organisations would like the definition broadened to include all products currently sold legally in the UK as yoghurt.
Consumer groups, and industry and retail bodies, will have a further opportunity to express their views on the issue to officials prior to European and worldwide meetings scheduled for May this year.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with(a) EU countries and (b) the USA about the labelling of bio-yoghurt products. [30699]
§ Mr. RookerOfficials had discussions with EU Member States, but not the USA, on the definition and labelling of yoghurt in 1996. Views vary from those who want the term yoghurt to be restricted to fermented milk products containing cultures ofStreptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii.subsp. bulgaricus only, to those, such as the UK, who want a broader definition to reflect products currently sold legally in the Member State. Further discussions, both in Europe and worldwide, are scheduled for May this year.