Vol. 373 No. 12
asked the Minister for Health whether he has satisfied himself that the level and type of preservatives and additives used in processed foods and drinks which are (a) home produced and (b) imported, comply with reasonable health safety standards.
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asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the use of additives and preservatives in processed foods and drinks; whether he proposes to issue an information circular in relation to same; whether he has satisfied himself that the use of such additives and preservatives falls within accepted standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department control the use of additives, including preservatives, in home produced and imported foods and drinks through regulations made under the Health Acts, 1947-70, and the European Communities Act, 1972. The additives are approved for use in this country only after they have been approved by the EEC Scientific Committee for Food and by our own Food Advisory Committee. The regulations controlling additives, made on the recommendation of the Food Advisory Committee, specify the additives which may be used in food and in some cases, restrict the use of specified additives to certain foods up to specific limits. The regulations are enforced by the health boards through weekly food sampling programmes. I am satisfied that these regulations together with their enforcement adequately protect the public health.
I am aware that there has been public concern about food additives lately, principally as a result of the circulation of the Villejuif list. This list has been circulating in Europe for some years. The scientific authorities of the Villejuif Hospital, a famous research institute alleged to be the source of the information, have expressly denied knowledge of the leaflet and dissociated themselves from the statements it contains. I have asked the Food Advisory Committee to consider how best to allay public concern in this matter and the committee will report to me on 7 July 1987.
