Vol. 440 No. 7
255 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the re-emergence of E numbers in sweets, snacks and cakes ten years after manufacturers cut back because of alarms of cancer and hyperactivity in children, additives including E102, E320, E104, E110 and E124, which are banned in many countries; if he is concerned at this trend; and the action, if any, he proposes to take.
A strict system of control over the use of food additives exists in this country. Regulations controlling particular classes of additives list the substances which are permitted and where appropriate the Regulations specify the conditions of use. Additives are included in permitted lists if there is satisfaction as to their safety and a technological need for their use has been established.
In the case of the additives mentioned by the Deputy all have been evaluated by the European Union's Scientific Committee for Food and are currently permitted by all member states for use under specified conditions. This situation will continue to prevail when new European Union Directives on Colours and Additives are finally adopted.
Developments in this area are closely monitored by my Department in consultation with a wide range of interested parties and I am fully satisfied that the additives mentioned are safe for use.
