§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further consideration he is giving to the evidence of health risk in the use of bergamot oil in sun tan products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungI welcome this opportunity to correct a statement in my previous reply to the hon. Member on 6 June 1980.—[Vol. 985, c.850.] I am now advised that the bergamot oil used in sun tan products is not distilled and contains 5-methoxypsoralen as the active ingredient in promoting a sun tan.
The Department's expert advisory committee on carcinogenicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment is at present studying all available data on 5-methoxypsoralen. The matter is also being referred to the Department's corresponding advisory committee on mutagenicity. Both committees will complete their reviews as soon as practicable, and their advice will be carefully considered by the Government.