Food Labelling

Oral Answers to Questions — Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – in the House of Commons at 10:30 am on 10 December 2009.

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Photo of Sir David Amess Sir David Amess Conservative, Southend West 10:30, 10 December 2009

What recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on country of origin food labelling.

Photo of Jim Fitzpatrick Jim Fitzpatrick Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) (Farming and the Environment)

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave a few moments ago. I am delighted to see that we have been joined by Mr. Paice. We were a bit worried that since the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds had promoted him to the Privy Council and shadow Secretary of State in its press release this week, he might have been banished by his colleagues.

Photo of Sir David Amess Sir David Amess Conservative, Southend West

Having heard the exchange between my hon. Friend Nick Herbert and the Minister on this subject, I am confused about the Government's position. Will the Minister now clearly say that he supports the Which? campaign for country-of-origin food labelling and backs British food?

Photo of Jim Fitzpatrick Jim Fitzpatrick Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) (Farming and the Environment)

We do support the campaign for clearer country-of-origin labelling. We took a different position from Europe in respect of mandatory labelling for everything. That would have meant labels a foot long on pizzas identifying the source of every bit of pepperoni. We want clearer labelling so that we can have informed consumer choice and support British agriculture.

Photo of David Chaytor David Chaytor Labour, Bury North

Given that meat production generates six times more greenhouse gas emissions than the production of fish, cheese or vegetables, should CO2 emissions related to food products not also be included in any future labelling system? Would that not be one of the most effective means of adapting to climate change?

Photo of Jim Fitzpatrick Jim Fitzpatrick Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) (Farming and the Environment)

I can tell my hon. Friend that agriculture is making great efforts to reduce the impact of the carbon that it produces. It is very supportive of every effort to increase sustainable production and is doing what it can to tackle climate change.