§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the use of nitrates and nitrites used to preserve canned meats and sausages is dangerous.
§ Mr. StrangThe Government's expert independent advisory committees, having satisfied themselves as to the safety in use of, and need for, nitrates and nitrites in food, have recommended that these preservatives should be permitted only in bacon, ham, other cured meats and certain cheeses, subject to maximum levels. 157W These recommendations have been implemented by the Preservatives in Food Regulations 1974. The committees are keeping a close and continuing watch on the situation.
§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the widespread use of sulphur dioxide in food is dangerous.
§ Mr. StrangThe foods to which sulphur dioxide may be added as a preservative, and the maximum levels in those foods, are strictly controlled by the Preservatives in Food Regulations 1974. These permitted uses were fixed on the advice of our expert independent committees who, before making their recommendations, satisfied themselves on the need to use this preservative and on the public health implications of doing so.