Food labelling

Food information should be made the responsibility of a single government department, a committee of MPs has said.

The Commons environment, food and rural affairs committee recommended a new 'cross-government' approach, headed by defra.

In a report, the MPs said the department should have responsibility for food information across central and local government, and for representing the UK at EU level.

The committee wants a speedy government investigation into the events which allowed the illegal dye Sudan 1 to enter the UK food chain.

The report also calls for the mandatory provision of extensive but clear nutrition information, including daily guidelines for energy and nutrient requirements, on all labelling of prepacked foods.

Stakeholder Response: British Retail Consortium

Sarah Winterton, director of public affairs at the BRC, said: "The retail sector has been at the forefront of providing clear, relevant and informative labelling and increasing the availability of healthier options for their customers. They already often go far beyond statutory requirements, particularly on nutritional issues but are cautious about extending mandatory labelling until it is demonstrated this will make a difference in customer behaviour.

 

"The government's white paper on public health acknowledged the positive work the sector has undertaken on this front and retailers will continue to work with the Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency on a number of key projects aimed at improving the diet of the UK."