Day 015 - 21 Jul 94 - Page 08

     
     1
              Now at the moment the minimum is what is called the big
     2        four, namely, protein, calories, carbohydrates and total
              fat.  Then the next level, and, as you will realise, that
     3        does not include sodium so, presumably, that would be part
              of the law that the manufacturers of the crisps you saw
     4        was actually being applied.
 
     5        If they then went on to the next stage they would have to
              include sodium, the so called big eight.  The others would
     6        be a break down in the type -- they would have to include
              fibre; they would have to give a break down of
     7        carbohydrates into sugar, if I remember rightly, and also
              provide information on saturated fat.
     8
         Q.   Does that mean that compulsory labelling of packaged foods
     9        in this country at the moment is just at the first level?
              A.  No, even then it is not compulsory.  What I am saying
    10        is, if they put it on then the minimum they must put on is
              the big four.  If they want to make it more complicated,
         they have to put the big eight on, then they can go even
              further and put on details of vitamins and minerals as
    12        well.
 
    13                       Cross-Examined by the defendants
 
    14   MR. MORRIS:  Can you say a little, Mr. Wheelock, about what
              Verner Wheelock Associates are?
    15        A.  Yes, indeed.  It is a small company which I set up
              four years ago.  It employs four people, including
    16        myself.  We undertake consultancy, primarily to food
              companies dealing with nutrition, healthy eating, food
    17        safety and legislation from time to time.  We also run
              courses on food hygiene and occasionally run conferences.
    18        We recently run a conference on healthy eating.
 
    19   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  It may be my fault.  I sometimes have
              difficulty in catching every word you say.  You do not
    20        have to look at me.  Speak out into the court but loud and
              clear, please.
         A.  Was there anything you did not get?  What I finished
              up saying was as well as providing consultancy, we also
    22        run courses in food hygiene and occasionally run
              conferences.  The last one was one on healthy eating.
    23
         MR. MORRIS:  If you do not mind me asking, do you make large
    24        profits or small profits as a company?
              A.  Well, we are a limited company.  Our accounts are
    25        there, publicly available.  Last year we made a small
              profit, I am pleased to say. 
    26 
         Q.   Right.  So the McDonald's accounts for 20 per cent --- 
    27        A.  About that.
 
    28   Q.   -- of your income?  Is it your largest customer?
 
    29   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I do not think Mr. Morris means the largest
              company, but the one which contributes more than any other
    30        to your turnover?
              A.  There are probably one or two others that are on a par