To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he has considered taking to introduce clearer labels and guidance on poultry meat for consumers; and if he will make a statement. (171072)

[holding answer 5 December 2007]: Labelling and guidance for consumers on poultry meat extends to various product attributes and advice on cooking and handling and the Food Standards Agency is the lead Government Department on general food labelling and guidance. Labelling on poultry meat, in common with all foods, is also subject to the legislative requirements on food labelling. Specific provisions governing marketing standards and labelling of (uncooked) poultry meat are laid down in EU regulations, notably Council Regulation No. 1906/90 and Commission Regulation No. 1538/91 (both as amended). As the EU Commission are in the process of reviewing the latter, decisions on labelling in these areas are likely to await the outcome of this.