Food Labelling and Allergy-Related Deaths

Debate between Angela Eagle and David Rutley

Tuesday 9th October 2018 Commons Chamber

[David Rutley]

It is important that we take forward this review to ensure that this is done robustly, but it is crucial that businesses step forward and address any concerns that consumers have. It is good business practice and businesses should be doing it.

[Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab)]

Surely the Government should step out of their complacent attitude to regulation and strengthen enforcement, too. Instead of seeing regulation as something to be avoided and red tape as a dirty word, surely it is about time the Minister and his Department stepped up to the plate and did the things that need to be done to protect the consumer.

[David Rutley]

And we are; I have said on numerous occasions that we will be strengthening the allergen labelling framework. We are committed to doing that—

[Ms Angela Eagle]

When?

[David Rutley]

As soon as possible, because we do not want to see any more of these cases that we have so tragically heard about in recent days; we need to take the steps to do that in an organised way.