asked the Minister for Health the Government's attitude to the proposed common standards for the maximum level of lead and cadmium in pottery tableware.
37.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lead and Cadmium Contaminants.
36.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that cadmium, which is often used in enamelled ware in order to give colour, can be poisonous; and if he will introduce regulations with regard to its use.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together. Proposals for EEC directives concerning materials and objects designed to come into contact with food have been formulated by the Commission. These proposals—which are still at an early stage—will be considered in the normal way by the Department concerned and, when directives are adopted, will be implemented by appropriate Irish regulations.
I would like to mention as a matter of general information in relation to lead and cadmium in food that samples of food on sale in this country are tested from time to time in the Public Analyst's laboratories for the presence of metallic contaminants such as lead and cadmium. The results have not shown any danger to the public health from this source.