§ Mr. Joplingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to prevent foodstuffs which may contain polybrominated biphenyls from being imported into the United Kingdom, in view of the misuse in animal feeds of this chemical in the State of Michigan.
§ Mr. StrangThe incident in which polybrominated biphenyls were used by accident in animal feeds in the United States took place in early 1973. A year elapsed before it was discovered that it had occurred, and its effects were contained and monitored during 1974–75. The United States' authorities are maintaining a continuing watch on the health of people who consumed affected food. I am advised that it is most unlikely that any of the foodstuffs which became affected would have been exported to this country. There are powers under the Imported Food Regulations 1968 to prevent the import of food which is unfit for human consumption.