§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence exists to show that orthophenylphenol is harmful when applied as a preservative to citrus fruit; and why it is now proposed that the use of such a preservative must be marked on retail packs when no such requirement is levied in respect of pears or melons.
§ Mrs. FennerI am advised that the presently permitted use of orthophenylphenol on citrus fruit presents no risk to the health of consumers; if such a risk existed its use would not be permitted. The proposed labelling provisions will apply not only at the retail level but also at stages based on the requirements of the EEC directive258W of 1963 (Directive 64/54/EEC as amended in 1967 (Directive 67/427/ EEC), on the approximation of the laws of the member States concerning the preservatives authorised for use in foodstuffs intended for human consumption. The EEC directive does not deal with the use of orthophenylphenol on pears or melons.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many requests he has received from the public requesting that the use of orthophenylphenol as a preservative be indicated at the retail sale of citrus fruit and peaches, respectively.
§ Mrs. FennerWe have no record of any such requests over the past three years.