§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Hayman on 10 November (WA 160–161), whether they agree with the advice given by the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group that the use of sewage sludge in French animal feed causes no immediate public health risk. [HL291]
§ Baroness HaymanThe Government accept the advice of the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group (JFSSG) on the reported incidents of contamination of French animal feed, which was drawn up in consultation with the chairmen of three independent scientific committees. The practice of adding sewage sludge to animal feed is repugnant to consumers and illegal under Community law. The evidence is that this occurred only in a few sites. The JFSSG will continue to monitor the situation and bring to Ministers' attention any future developments of public health concern which may require action.