Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 4

Written Answers. - Food Additives.

John Bruton

Question:

164 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the chemical, canthaxanthis, is banned as a food additive for human consumption; if so, the reason in this regard; if this chemical is permitted for use in feed given to poultry and farmed salmon; and if so, the reason in this regard. [14488/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the additive canthaxanthin.

European Parliament and Council Directive 94/36/EC of 30 June 1994 on colours for use in foodstuffs approves the use of canthaxanthin (E161g) as a food additive for the colouring of Saucisse de Strasbourg at a maximum level of 15 mg/kg. This directive has been transposed into national law by means of the European Communities (Additives, Colours and Sweeteners in Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 437 of 2000).

I am advised by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland that canthaxanthin is an orange-red pigment also used as an animal feed additive for poultry and fish. It also occurs naturally in certain wild mushrooms, algae, crustaceans and wild fish. Canthaxanthin is one of a range of food colourings allowed under EU legislation for use in chicken and fish feed and legislation in this regard is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.