asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that not only water, air and soil but food such as fruit, vegetables and dairy products contain pesticide residues or other toxic substances used by industry and that even if the content of these poisons be very low they may prove dangerous to man since they persist in the human organism as well as in the environment; and if he will undertake studies in this regard and make a general statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Toxic Residues in Food.
8.
I understand that the Minister for Local Government, to whom the Deputy has addressed a similar question, is dealing with the general environmental aspects. I propose to deal with the food aspects only.
The possible dangers to man from the consumption of food containing residues of toxic substances are constantly under consideration in my Department.
Regulations have already been made under the Health Acts controlling the presence in food of colouring agents, preservatives, antioxidants, cyclamates, solvents mineral hydrocarbons and trace elements of arsenic and lead. Proposals for regulations on emulsifiers and stabilisers are at present under examination and an outline in the matter was recently issued to the trade and other interested parties.
The regulations referred to have been based mainly on recommendations of the Food Advisory Committee which also examined the potential risks to health from other substances such as pesticides and mercury. The committee did not feel that additional statutory controls in relation to these matters are required at present. The committee's findings were, where necessary, preceded by laboratory investigations as in the case of the levels of pesticides and mercury in food on sale in Ireland.
Samples of food are examined in the public analysts' laboratories as a routine to ensure that they do not contain substances which, at the level present, could cause danger to health.
I might add that the recently expanded Food Advisory Committee has appointed a special sub-committee to deal with additives and contaminants in food. I am satisfied that the arrangements made are adequate and will be of valuable assistance to my Department in keeping abreast of developments on these matters both at home and abroad.
Do I understand these regulations will deal with toxic levels in food, particularly in vegetables, and declare a maximum level of toxicity?
The Deputy may take that.
And they will be capable of being enforced?
Absolutely.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary taken into consideration the situation in the United States of America where a vast quantity of carrots had to be done away with, having been treated with some type of agro-chemicals?
It was only last Wednesday I addressed the inaugural meeting of the new committee on food. The matter is being dealt with.
This question was down three weeks ago.