§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the use of the word pure in connection with food. [124491]
§ Ms Stuart[holding answer 5 June 2000]The Food Advisory Committee has issued guidelines on the use of the word "natural" and similar terms such as "real", "genuine" and "pure" in the labelling and advertising of foods. The Committee is currently considering the need for further action and is expected to make recommendations to the Food Standards Agency, which has responsibility for food labelling, later this year.
The Food Safety Act 1990 already makes it an offence to describe any food in a way that is false or likely to mislead as to its nature, substance or quality.