HL Deb 10 May 1989 vol 507 cc647-8

Lord Campbell of Croy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are considering making changes in the regulations concerning the irradiation of food.

The Earl of Dundee

My Lords, we have accepted scientific advice that this technology, properly applied, may give real benefits to the consumer without affecting the safety and wholesomeness of food. As has already been made clear, it is appropriate to draw up a framework of controls before the current general prohibition could be removed. We shall be considering the advice from officials on the controls that may be necessary and hope to announce our intentions shortly.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. When the Government decide to allow irradiation—which many countries already allow, clearly regarding it as safe and effective against bacteria—will they insist on strict regulations to prevent it being used as camouflage for substandard food?

The Earl of Dundee

My Lords, irradiation is unable to mask unfit food in any way. It cannot make food good once it has been spoilt. Equally, it cannot disguise the smell or flavour of food which has become bad. Certainly it will be important for the control system to ensure that treated food is of the right quality.

Lord Lloyd of Kilgerran

My Lords, the noble Earl said that an announcement will be made shortly. Is he in a position to say how long "shortly" is likely to be?

The Earl of Dundee

My Lords, it is always interesting to try to interpret how long "shortly" will be. However, I cannot be of much assistance to the noble Lord.

Lord Carter

My Lords, is the Minister aware that considerable concern has been expressed by, among others, the British Medical Association and the Institute of Environmental Health Officers that the irradiation process does not kill toxins in contaminated food and that the organism which causes botulism is an example? Is the Minister able to tell the House whether research into the irradiation of food is regarded by the Government either as being for the public good and therefore will be funded by the taxpayer, or as being near market and therefore suitable for funding by the food industry?

The Earl of Dundee

My Lords, I cannot answer the noble Lord's last question but I shall let him know. His first question raised the possibility that poisons may be left in irradiated food. That is equally true of pasteurisation or any other food process short of complete sterilisation. As with pasteurisation, protection lies in restricting the food which you treat to that of good hygienic quality. It also lies in the observation of good manufacturing practice.

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