§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research the Government have commissioned to assess dioxin levels in meat and dairy products(a) produced in and (b) imported into the United Kingdom. [123490]
§ Ms Stuart[holding answer 3 May 2000]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that it has a continuing programme of surveys on dioxins in food consumed in the United Kingdom, including meat and dairy products. The results show the levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls in food are continuing to fall. The average dietary intake of these chemicals in the UK is below the Tolerable Daily Intake recommended by the UK Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment. Details of all surveys are available on the Agency's website at www.foodstandards.gov.uk.