HC Deb 23 April 1990 vol 171 c93W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further research has been commissioned in the current year into the safety of microwaves in respect of food cooked therein; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

Following on from the extensive research commissioned by this Department last year on the performance of domestic microwave ovens on heating food, three further studies are being funded this year:

  1. a. Evaluation of the decline in power when domestic ovens are used continuously, (Institute of Food Research—Completion date June 1990).
  2. b. Assessment of the performance of commercial microwave ovens, (Campden Food and Drink Research Association—Completion date Autumn 1990).
  3. c. The influence of the physical, thermal and electrical properties on the quality of food heated by microwaves, (Campden Food and Drink Research Association—Completion date March 1991).