asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the regulations governing the use of colourants and preservatives in food and drink, in that these additives will have no harmful effects on humans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Safety of Colourants and Preservatives.
34.
The relevant regulations are the Health (Colouring Agents in Food) Regulations, 1973, as amended in 1981, and the Health (Preservatives in Food) Regulations, 1981. I am satisfied that these regulations adequately protect the public health. They are based on EC directives, which are agreed on unanimously by all member states, so they would be similar to legislation in other member states. The EC is advised on such matters by its Scientific Committee for Food, a committee of independent, highly qualified persons in fields such as medicine, nutrition, toxicology, biology and chemistry. All member states are represented on the committee.