§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the levels of maximum daily intakes of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, acetyltributyl citrate, epoxidised soya bean oil and polymeric plasticisers; the method used to calculate these maximum daily intakes and any assumptions used in the calculations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerEstimated maximum daily intakes of the four plasticisers referred to are as follows:
- Di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate 8.2 mg/day
- Acetyltributyl citrate 1.5 mg/day
- Epoxidised soya bean oil 1.0 mg/day
- Polymeric plasticizers 0.4 mg/day
The assumptions and method of calculation used to obtain these figures are described in detail in food surveillance papers Nos. 21 and 30, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has introduced regulations under the Food Act 1984 to ban the use of mineral hydrocarbons as food additives and in food processing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerWe have consulted widely over amendment of the current regulations on mineral hydrocarbons in food. This consultation has brought to light a number of complex issues and further research has been requested. I shall make a further announcement as soon as possible.