Vol. 466 No. 5
16 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if his attention his been drawn to the information that is available to the British Minister for Agriculture and Food in relation to certain baby foods containing chemicals that could impair fertility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11764/96]
33 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to establish a separate agency along the lines of the United States Food and Drug Agency to monitor and uphold standards at all points in the food chain. [10616/96]
34 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Health if he will establish an independent inquiry into baby foods following the recent British Government report claiming some brands contain potentially harmful chemicals; and if he will consider the establishment of an independent food authority to report on health-related food matters. [11760/96]
I propose taking Questions Nos. 16, 33 and 34 together.
My attention has been drawn to a "Food Surveillance Information Sheet" issued by the Food Safety Directorate of the UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food concerning a survey which was carried out of phthalates in samples of retail infant formula on sale in the UK.
Consideration of the UK report has led the Chairman of the Food Safety Advisory Board, Dr. Fergus Hill, to conclude that, on the evidence presented, the results did not present any cause for alarm. I have no reason to disagree with this opinion. However, the Food Safety Advisory Board has been asked to consider the matter in more detail and to report to my Department.
Given the amount of public interest and understandable concern that there has been in the matter, the health boards have been requested to arrange for testing of all infant formula on sale in Ireland for the presence of phthalates and to report their findings to my Department. The information will also be given to the Food Safety Advisory Board for their consideration. I understand that the testing may take some weeks to complete.
As to the question of the establishment of a separate agency for food control, this and related matters are at present the subject of a high level policy review. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to comment in detail on the issues raised until this review is completed and the Government has had an opportunity to consider the position. I would, however, like to take this opportunity to say that while the Government is satisfied that food produced in Ireland meets the highest standards of safety and hygiene, it is nevertheless prepared to take any additional steps considered necessary or prudent to uphold its reputation.
