§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he plans to take over the import into the UK from non-EU countries of(a) poultry and (b) eggs which are fed canthaxanthin; and if she will make a statement. [97577]
§ Ms BlearsIn December 2002 European Union member states agreed the text of a Directive to reduce the maximum incorporation levels for canthaxanthin in feed. However, the United Kingdom successfully argued that maximum residue limits also be introduced for relevant foods. These will be set following a risk assessment and when European Commission legal powers are available later this year. The levels will apply evenly to both imports and home production.
§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what tests will be carried out to check the levels of canthaxanthin in(a) poultry and (b) eggs imported into this country from non-EU countries. [97578]
§ Ms BlearsThere are no statutory maximum permitted levels for canthaxanthin in eggs or poultry against which such tests could monitor compliance. Nevertheless, I am advised that the Food Standards Agency is considering such surveillance of canthaxanthin in food derived from European Union and non-EU countries as would be necessary both to inform the setting of future maximum residue levels and to inform estimates of consumer exposure.