Tony Gregory
Question:251 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has satisfied himself that the use of the chemical pesticide Lindane has no harmful effects through being carried into the food chain. [1010/95]
Written Answers. - Chemical Pesticide Use.
Lindane is the active ingredient in many insecticide products used worldwide in crop production. The market for lindane in Ireland is small and has declined as a result of new product introductions. The main use here continues to be as a cereal seed dressing.
The pesticide control service of my Department regularly analyses samples of domestic and imported produce for their pesticide residue content including lindane. This programme shows that residues of lindane are found in samples of fruit and vegetables, cereals, meat and occasionally dairy products. In general these residues are well below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) prescribed by the European Union. MRLs are set at a level at which, even where they are occasionally exceeded, a hazard for humans will generally not occur unless this exposure arises from all relevant foods and is continued over a prolonged period.
Over the years extensive toxicological research has been carried out on lindane by bodies such as the World Health Organisation, the European Union and the MAFF in Great Britain. This year the EU starts a major review of existing pesticide chemicals. Lindane has been included on the first review list. The review should be available in 1996.
It is clear, however that the current scientific evidence from international bodies responsible for such matters, shows that residues of lindane that occur in Irish food are well within toxicologically acceptable levels.