Food Regulations - 2nd Apr, 2008

Sian James has received letters from constituents concerned about the ingredients used in alcoholic drinks

Sian James MP said:

"Constituents, who are vegetarian or vegans, have written to me to explain their concerns about Food Regulations dating from 1984, asking for them to be updated.

"I am informed that in wine there are clarifiers that are often composed of gelatin (derived from the skin and connective tissue of pigs and cows) or isinglass (which is prepared from the bladder of the sturgeon fish). This is a part of the finishing process.

"I can understand that people are concerned about the exact ingredients of alcoholic products. I wrote to the Minister in the Department of Health and asked a number of Parliamentary Questions on their behalf.

"The Minister has said that the Food Standards Authority are undertaking an enquiry into this matter and have asked for comments. I would advise that anyone with any interest in this issue should send their comments to the consultation."