§ Mr. Wallerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will introduce regulations to prohibit the sale of food products containing aluminium colouring, except where it is used for the purpose of cake decoration;
(2) what representations he has received alleging danger to dialysis patients of consuming foods containing aluminium colouring.
§ Mr. JoplingThe Colouring Matter in Food Regulations 1973 prohibits the use of aluminium in food in the United Kingdom other than for the external coating of dragees and the decoration of sugar coated flour confectionery. The food advisory committee, which advises Ministers on the use and safety of food additives,
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§ Mr. MacGregorNot all the data are readily available in the form requested. For the period since 1973 the data available on the tonnage of butter and butter oil and of the other main dairy products exported from the European Community, together with the expenditure on all dairy product export refunds, are set out in the following tables:
is reviewing the levels and uses of colours, including aluminium, in foods. Although no specific representations have been received on the subject the effect of aluminium in dialysis patients has been taken into account by the committee on toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment in advising the food advisory committee on the safety of aluminium in food.