Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Regulation of the Marmalade Market

15 April 2026 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Tessa Munt Lib Dem Wells

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tessa Munt raised concerns about regulation of the marmalade market in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Tessa Munt raised concerns about marmalade regulations, noting that products may not comply with the 60% sugar requirement.
  • Munt cited scientific research from Bristol University's Long Ashton research station to support the need for stringent regulations.
  • Angela Eagle assured that there will be no changes to marmalade composition and emphasised the government's aim to protect traditional British food products.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Tessa Munt Lib Dem Wells

Tessa Munt raised concerns about the regulation of marmalade, highlighting that preservers and food retailers are selling products that do not comply with regulations on total sugar and fruit content. She cited the Jam and Similar Products Regulations from 2003, which specify a 60% sugar requirement for marmalade. However, recent changes remove the need to display total sugar content as a percentage on labels. Munt emphasised that these rules are not arbitrary but grounded in scientific research conducted at Bristol University's Long Ashton research station and argued that departing from these standards could result in inferior products.

Other contributors (1)
  • Caroline Nokes

    Order was called to remind MPs to avoid using informal language.

Government Response

Angela Eagle

Angela Eagle responded by reassuring Members that there will be no changes to the composition of marmalade. She clarified that under current EU rules, marmalade can still be labelled as orange marmalade without any requirement for change. The minister emphasised that the Government's aim is to support and protect traditional British food products like marmalade through meaningful regulation. She noted that the SPS deal with the EU will help align regulations and make it easier for consumers to understand what they are buying, while ensuring there are no changes in sugar requirements.

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