Vol. 549 No. 3
259 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will publish the risk assessment report prepared by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the effects of fluoridation on infants; the reason this has not been published to date; if the report has been completed and finalised; if he will make immediate arrangements to have a copy of the report laid in the Dáil Library and the report published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6710/02]
The Food Safety Authority requested its scientific sub-committee on additives, contaminants and residues to conduct a risk assessment in relation to the issue of infant formula reconstituted with fluoridated water. The group was due to report to the authority by September 2001.
I am informed by the Food Safety Authority that the primary reason for the delay in publication of the report on risk assessment of potential hazards of using fluoridated water for reconstituting infant formula is that the issues involved are complex and are still under discussion by the scientific sub-committee.
There is a large amount of scientific literature under review by the scientific committee, which is a voluntary committee made up of members with full-time commitments outside the Food Safety Authority. However, the authority is keen to produce a balanced report taking into account all available scientific facts and evidence. I am informed that the key issues under discussion relate to how to define harmful effects, what levels of fluoride cause harmful effects and what is the scientific and real evidence that these levels actually cause harm.
The Food Safety Authority expects that a final report will be referred from its scientific committee to the board following the meeting of the committee on 6 March.
Question No. 260 answered with Question No. 232.
