§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what checks his Department makes on the accuracy of food labelling; what amendments to the requirements he has considered; what representations he has received on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [185146]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonFood labelling rules, which are agreed at European Union level, prohibit false or misleading labelling. Local authorities enforce them. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) carries out ad-hoc surveys, in close co-operation with local authorities, to 631W check the accuracy of certain aspects of labelling, for example where new methodology is being employed to tackle suspected food problems.
Where ad-hoc surveys identity shortcomings in current legislation, these may be resolved through the establishment of FSA or industry guidance or by working toward changes in EU legislation.