Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans the Government has to bring forward legislation proposals to force retailers to display full lists of ingredients in their fresh produce.

Under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on Food Information to Consumers, all prepackaged food must include a label which provides the consumer with certain mandatory information, including a full list of ingredients. In addition, key allergens, as defined in Annex II of the Regulation, must be emphasised in the ingredient list, for example, by printing them in a bold typeface.

For non-prepackaged foods and foods which are prepackaged for direct sale, a full list of ingredients is not required on the label; however, information about allergens must be made available to the consumer, whether that be on the label, orally at the point of sale or by some other means.

Defra has recently closed a consultation to strengthen allergen labelling laws relating to pre-packaged food for direct sale and give consumers clearer information on the food they buy. We are considering all responses and continuing to work at pace to bring forward the changes necessary to give consumers greater confidence in the safety of their food. We will announce next steps soon.