Vol. 399 No. 10
141 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the United Nations/World Health Organisation list of carcinogenic additives should be the basis for legal controls on such additives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am advised on matters relating to the legal control of food additives by the Food Safety Advisory Committee. In making their recommendations, this committee have regard to the advice of international bodies such as the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, the EC Scientific Committee for Food, which is representative of the Twelve member states, and expert bodies in individual countries such as the Food and Drugs Administration in the United States.
The use of additives is kept under continuous review both at international and national level, particularly in the light of any new evidence relating to safety. Should a problem arise, appropriate action would be taken to ensure public health and safety.
