§ Mr. Atkinsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research has been done into the possible effects on beer drinkers of the use of asbestos for the purpose of filtering beer; and what recommendations his Department has made.
§ Mr. StrangResearch into the effects of the possible ingestion of asbestos in food and drink has been undertaken in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, in recent years. This research has so far provided no reason to suspect that the incidence of asbestos fibres is greater in beer filtered with asbestos than in unfiltered beer, neither being sufficient to give any cause for concern.
652WThe Food Additives and Contaminants Committee, an independent body which advises Ministers on all matters concerning the use and presence of additives and contaminants in food, is currently examining the question of asbestos in relation to food, including asbestos filters for beer. Any recommendations will depend on the outcome of the committee's work.