§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to assure himself that the additives used in the manufacturing of cling film have been adequately tested and have been approved for use with all foodstuffs, including fatty foodstuffs; what requirements there are for product labelling with this information; and what assessment he has made of the risk to public health from this product.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Food Advisory Committee and the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment have recently advised that there is no evidence to suggest that the use of additives in cling films has caused harm to human health, and these films remain suitable for most food uses. However, for some additives the toxicological data are not yet complete and as a matter of prudence the committees have advised that cling films should not be used in certain applications, such as in contact with high fat foods.
Manufacturers are recommended to label packs in accordance with the advice given in the food safety directorate's information bulletin, special edition, a copy of which is in the Library.