§ 18. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now review the practice of using cyclamates in all foods and drinks except ice-cream in the light of the first half-year's experience of the working of the Regulations and of the representations he has received from experts thereon.
§ Mr. HoyMy right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health are keeping this practice under continuous review, with particular regard to any evidence of possible health hazards and to the extent and levels of use of cyclamates. In the light of experience so far, we are satisfied that there is no justification for amending the Regulations.
§ Mrs. ButlerWould it not be in the consumer's interest to benefit also from the three years' experience of cyclamates in the United States, where, as a result of that experience, the Food and Drugs Administration is considering introducing the labelling of products containing cyclamates in order to specify recommended use levels and to give cautionary information? Should that not be done while we are waiting for our experts to report further?
§ Mr. HoyObviously, we take note of what happens in other countries. The use of cyclamates in America is much wider than it is here. The alleged hazard to consumers has been considered twice, by the Food Additives and Contaminants Committee and the Pharmacological Sub-Committee, in both 1965 and 1967. They found no risk to health at the likely levels of consumption. I remind the House that the joint F.A.O.-W.H.O. Expert Committee came to a similar conclusion.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a substantial body of medical and scientific opinion believes that sugar is far more injurious to health than are cyclamates?