HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 c1714
45. Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to promulgate Regulations covering the use of sorbic acid in foodstuffs.

Mr. Hoy

The Preservatives in Food Regulations, 1962, already permit the use of sorbic acid in certain specified foods.

Mr. Jenkin

Does the hon. Member not recognise that the industry is at present in a state of great uncertainty because it does not know what the committee will recommend about sorbic acid? Does he not realise that this causes difficulty not only for the producers of sorbic acid but also to those contemplating using it? Will he take steps to expedite the committee's review of this material?

Mr. Hoy

The committee is extremely busy. Sorbic acid is permitted in some cases. I am aware that a number of people are awaiting the outcome of the committee's report, and surely he will not expect me to anticipate it.

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