Food: Labelling

Baroness Byford
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the responsibility for checking correct labelling of national and imported foods lies with local authorities or the Food Standards Agency or both. [HL3731]

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)
The Food Standards Agency has the overall policy responsibility for food labelling. However, the enforcement of the legislation is undertaken by food enforcement officers, who are employed by local authorities.

Baroness Byford
asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is taking following the recent case of potatoes imported from abroad being sold as Pembrokeshire potatoes; and whether they will make representations to those countries that flout correct labelling rules. [HL3734]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has policy responsibility for labelling, but responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with local authorities. The responsibility for accurate labelling lies with the food business operator at the point of sale. Hence in this case the FSA is leaving the matter in the hands of Cardiff Trading Standards to resolve locally. The FSA has received information that the potatoes had the correct origin when imported and is therefore not proposing to take any further action or representation with the countries supplying the potatoes.