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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with companies that use large quantities of food wrapping paper on (a) mechanisms to persuade customers not to cause litter and (b) using biodegradable materials to reduce litter. [224980] Mr. Morley: On 22 November 2004 the Government launched its Voluntary Code of Practice for "Food on the Go'--the aim of which is to reduce the amount of food related waste that becomes litter in the local environment. This followed over two years of extensive research into the problem and detailed consultation with both businesses that sell food for immediate consumption, and the industry bodies that represent them. The voluntary code sets out a series of recommendations for joint action between businesses and local authorities. These include measures to minimise packaging by using biodegradable materials in its production, asking customers if they require a bag, and displaying anti littering messaging on packaging. This is complemented by recommendations on the implementation of education and community engagement initiatives, and the local authority's enforcement regime.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

432 c1667-8W;432 c1663W; 224980

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Biodegradability Food Litter Pollution control Packaging Take-away food

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk