Mr. Bob Brownasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that peeled ready-for-use potatoes have the skins removed by the lye process and that they are then after washing dipped in a solution to preserve whiteness; and if he is satisfied that there is no danger to health as a result of this dipping.
§ Mr. HoyYes. The peeling process, which has been practised for many years, is followed by scrubbing or water-spraying or both, and there has been no evidence from the tests which have been made, of any harmful residues remaining on the potatoes. The subsequent dipping in a preservative solution is permitted within prescribed conditions by the Preservatives in Food Regulations, 1962, and I am satisfied that this practice does not present a hazard to health.