§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent action he has taken to increase awareness of nut allergies; and if he will make a statement. [131004]
§ Ms StuartA major catering awareness campaign was carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in November 1997. I am advised that officials in the Food Standards Agency have recently met interested parties to explore what more could be done to increase awareness of nut allergies.
§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken to encourage food producers to produce food free of nuts; and if he will make a statement. [131001]
§ Ms StuartI am advised by the Food Standards Agency that it has entered into dialogue with representatives of the food industry to consider what can be done to minimise problems of food allergy. Initial discussions have focused on the need to strengthen food labelling rules and to encourage good manufacturing practice.