Day 016 - 22 Jul 94 - Page 64


     
     1
         MR. RAMPTON:  Yes.  Professor Walker is the real authority on
     2        this topic.  I think Professor Wheelock has already said
              so.  It is a very clearly expressed easily understood
     3        layman's guide to the question of additives from what
              Professor Wheelock has told us.  If your Lordship wants
     4        chapter and verse, tablets of stone, as it were, then
              Professor Walker is the man to ask; not only is he a
     5        professional toxicologist, he has served on a number of
              these committees.
     6
         MR. MORRIS:  Just to finish off the subject -----
     7
         MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Let me just tell you what I have written in
     8        my note so you are under no disillusion about it.  I have
              put that Mr. Rampton has agreed, so far as additives are
     9        concerned I can put Professor Wheelock's evidence aside
              and concentrate on Professor Walker.  If that helps you,
    10        well and good.  If you like, you can ask a global question
              of Professor Wheelock as to whether he thinks the
    11        defendants are taking a responsible attitude as to
              additives or not.  But you are not under any obligation to
    12        ask that.  If you think that he would say:  "Well, yes, of
              course, they are", and you do not want to bother to ask
    13        the question.  That is entirely a matter for you.
 
    14   MR. MORRIS:  Is it true you said that McDonald's approach is to
              keep additive usage to a minimum?
    15        A.  Yes.
 
    16   Q.   And:  "Additives are only used when absolutely essential
              to manufacture a particular product"?
    17        A.  Yes, a fair assessment.
 
    18   Q.   So why has McDonald's used colouring in their additives --
              in their foods?
    19        A.  Well, in their judgment they are essential.
 
    20   Q.   Essential to manufacture a particular product?  How is
              that essential in the manufacturing of a particular
    21        product?
              A.  Well, it is not just in terms of the manufacture.  It
    22        is terms of the final product and in the response you get
              from consumers.  It is a judgment that is taken; you may
    23        agree with it or not.
 
    24   MS. STEEL:  So the role of colour in McDonald's food is to
              appeal to the customer?
    25        A.  Well, that may be one of them.
  
    26   Q.   Right.  What is the other role then? 
  
    27   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  It is difficult to think of any other, is it
              not?
    28        A.  Yes, it is.
 
    29   MS. STEEL:   So it is to sell more of the products?
              A.  Obviously it is to help in the presentation of the
    30        product to the customer, yes.
 

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