Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Tom Hunt (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 January 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 January 2020. It was answered by George Eustice (Conservative) on Monday, 27 January 2020 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food: Labelling

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will introduce legislative proposals to ban best before labels on food items.

Answer

The term ‘best before’ is used to indicate to consumers that the quality of the food may not be at its best after the date has expired. When used appropriately, and in line with the most recent guidance from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), ‘best before’ helps ensure that consumers are able to make the best use of food and reduce waste.

The Government supports the valuable work done by WRAP in the UK to reduce food waste, which includes providing clear, thoroughly researched, sector-specific guidance on the application of ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates. WRAP’s recommendations are based on a large body of evidence and their work with food businesses, retailers and consumers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6187
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Food Labelling Date marking
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk