§ Mr. Silvesterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to restrict the use of cling film as a food wrapping material in view of the recent publicity about its safety.
§ Mrs. FennerA working group in my Department is studying plasticisers in all forms of plastic packaging materials. It is due to report on its evaluations next year, but it has noted that some of the plasticiser di-2-ethyhexyladipate (DEHA) used to soften plasticised polyvinyl chloride film (commonly called cling film) will migrate into closely wrapped foodstuffs. None of the levels of DEHA so far found in food give any cause for concern on health grounds, but the work of the group is continuing. There is therefore no reason for me to restrict116W the use of the film as a food wrapping material. Nevertheless, the results so far do show a markedly higher level of migration when the film is used in cooking in microwave ovens or conventional ovens. I am advised that even this does not indicate the existence of any hazard to human health, but that it does seem to be prudent to avoid such usage if possible. I am therefore proposing to ask manufacturers of this film to ensure that a statement is made on the packaging of the film that it is not suitable for use in cooking. I am also approaching oven manufacturers to advise them to make similar adjustments in their publicity literature.