HC Deb 26 November 1986 vol 106 cc297-8W
Mr. Norman Atkinson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all chemical additives which are permitted in the making of wine and the brewing of beer for sale in the United Kingdom; and if he will set up a departmental expert study on injurious toxicity normally contained in alcoholic drinks currently on sale in Britain.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The composition of wine in the United Kingdom, including the additives used, is controlled by the Common Agriculture Policy (Wine) Regulations 1982 (SI 1982 No. 578) which implements an EC regulation. Beer may contain any additive permitted for general food use. There are already expert bodies, including the Food Advisory Committee, The Committee on Toxicity and the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy, to advise Ministers on the safety of food.