§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many samples of fruit and vegetables grown in the United Kingdom were tested for organophosphate residues in 1997; and how many were found to exceed the maximum residue levels. [50371]
§ Mr. RookerThe latest available survey information relates to samples collected in 1996. A total of 528 samples of various fruits and vegetables were analysed for up to 43 different organophosphate compounds. No residues exceeded the maximum residue levels (MRLs).
I expect the 1997 survey report to be published in September.
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many samples of white and brown bread were tested for OP residues in 1997; and how many exceeded the maximum residue levels. [50372]
§ Mr. RookerThe latest available survey information relates to samples collected in 1996. 48 samples each of white, brown, wholemeal, wholegrain and ethnic bread were analysed for 10 different organophosphate compounds. No residues exceeded the maximum residue levels (MRLs).
I expect the 1997 survey report to be published in September.
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the test subjects and what other parameters were used to establish permitted levels of exposure to organophosphates in current use; and how many of these levels were established as a result of research in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) the United States of America and (c) elsewhere. [50340]
§ Mr. RookerThis information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. As a general rule, it is up to the applicant to decide where to carry out the tests required by the regulatory authorities, provided that they are able to demonstrate that tests have been conducted to acceptable standards and under appropriate conditions. Guidance on the scientific studies required to support an application for approval of an agricultural pesticide is set out in the Registration Handbook available from the Pesticides Safety Directorate.
For those pesticide organophosphate active ingredients for which an evaluation document has been published, the test subjects and other parameters (but not the country in which the test was carried out) will normally be quoted.
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the(a) synergistic and (b) potentiating effects of organophosphates combined with inert ingredients are taken into account when an OP product is licensed. [50339]
§ Mr. RookerWhen considering or reviewing applications for approval of pesticides, the impact on people and on the environment of both the active substance and the product are taken into account. In this way, the regulators allow for the consequences of any possible synergistic, potentiating or other combination effects.
91WIf the effects which may arise from the proposed or actual use of the product are not acceptable, it is not approved.