§ 5. Dr. Barnett Strossasked the Minister of Food what control there is over the addition to foodstuffs which are processed or manufactured, of chemicals or substances which may ultimately prove to be poisonous, although no evidence is yet available of their toxic nature; and whether he will consider banning their use unless there is ample evidence that they are not harmful.
§ Mr. WebbThe Food and Drugs Act, 1938, puts a direct responsibility on manufacturers and distributors to supply safe food and they frequently seek, and adopt, our advice about the wisdom of using particular chemicals or substances. There is at present no more direct control over the use of substances which are not known to be harmful, and which arc not open to reasonable grounds of suspicion; and I do not not think that I should be justified in seeking to employ the powers granted by Section 8 of the Act to make a general prohibition of the kind proposed, even if it could be drafted, which seems doubtful.
§ Dr. StrossIs my right hon. Friend aware, however, that he used the word "frequently" and that he did not say "always"? Is he aware of the innumerable new substances turned out by the chemical industry and that none of us know at first whether they are toxic or non-toxic? Will he look again at the 1938 Act and strengthen it to protect the public?
§ Mr. WebbThe simple point between us is that at the moment I am quite content to rest on administrative action, with the advice that I am given. I do not think that any change in the law is required, but if, in the light of experience. such change is required, we will look at it.
§ 10. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Food whether he will give a list of the chemical substances which are used to refine, improve, preserve or adulterate foodstuffs.
§ Mr. WebbIt is an offence under the Food and Drugs Act to adulterate food; and the use of preservatives in food is prohibited, with a few exceptions, by the Preservatives in Food Regulations. Chemicals have, of course, been used in the preparation of food for very many years, and as the list is a very long one, and constantly being added to, it would, I am afraid, be impracticable to provide the information asked for by my hon. Friend.
§ Dr. StrossWhile we all recognise that about 700 additives are in use in connection with foodstuffs of all kinds, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that, from time to time, we find that some which we accept as being harmless prove to be dangerous and toxic? Will he not please look at Section 8 of the Act of 1938, and give himself more power to protect the public?
§ Mr. WebbI should be very glad to look at that Section if my hon. Friend would explain to me the meaning of the word "additives." I do not know what it means.
§ Dr. StrossIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment tonight.