Ministry of Food

1939-1955, Government department, England.

The Ministry of Food was set up in September 1939 following the outbreak of the Second World War. In wartime its activities were associated with rationing and state trading. It also carried out research into food preparation, marketing and preservation, was responsible for food standards and represented the UK on international food bodies.

In April 1955 it was merged with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to become the new Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF).