§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of poisoning from(a) comfrey and (b) comfrey products have occurred for each year since 1983 and until the end of 1992; and if she will list the number of cases of poisoning reported each month during 1993 and the latest available figures for 1994.
§ Mr. SackvilleI have been asked to reply.
There have been no reports of poisoning attributed to comfrey or comfrey products in England. However, comfrey contains substances known to cause liver damage and there have been reports in international literature of disease associated with its consumption. The national poisons information service has recorded 16 inquiries about the possible effects of exposure to comfrey or its products since 1983.