§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 December 2000,Official Report, column 41–42W, if he will list the amendments to directives and proposed future directives the Food Standards Agency is seeking to allow food products to 219W carry consumer information about disease risk exposure reduction; and if he will make a statement on the progress so far made in achieving these objectives. [147745]
§ Ms StuartThe Food Standards Agency has made specific representations to the European Commission arguing for establishment of an effective and practical system for the verification and approval of health claims at European Union level. It has made the case for allowing valid disease risk reduction claims as an integral part of these arrangements. These initiatives form part of the Food Standards Agency's wide-reaching food labelling action plan to improve the quality and clarity of information available to consumers.
I understand the Commission is now reviewing this area of legislation with a view to making proposals later this year.
A summary of the changes being pursued has been published by the FSA in its action plan on food labelling, copies of which are available in the Library.