§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the addition of chlorine dioxide to white flour has no toxic effects upon those who handle the product or the population in general.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe Bread and Flour Regulations 1965—SI 1963 No. 1435—specify that all flour other than wholemeal may contain chlorine dioxide containing not more than 20 per centum of chlorine—calculated by volume. The independent committee on toxicity of chemicals in food consumer products and the environment, which advises, the Department reported in 1978 that, subject to a limit of 15 parts chlorine dioxide to 1 million parts flour, chlorine dioxide is acceptable for use as a bleaching agent in white flour. The Health and Safety Executive is satisfied that it can be used safely in the flour manufacturing process provided the normal precautionary measures are taken.