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Food: Imports

Asked by Mr Tanmanjeet Singh DhesiLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 20 January 2025UIN 23819

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to ensure legally compliant labelling on imported food and drink.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner

The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided on food labels so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy. The fundamental principle of food labelling rules is that information provided to the consumer must not mislead and must enable the safe use of food.  The rules also specify what particular information must be provided and how it must be presented.

All food sold on the UK market, including that which is imported, must comply with food labelling rules.

Food labelling rules are enforced by local authorities. Concerns that a specific food does not comply or is otherwise misleading, should be raised with a local trading standards officer who will be able to investigate and take necessary action.

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