§ Mr. Warrenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the food additives which are permitted in the United Kingdom but are not permitted in other member states of the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThere are EC directives covering the use of the four major classes of additives, namely preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers and colours. Member states must permit the use of the additives listed in these directives although they may impose conditions of use upon them. All other additives may be permitted at member states' discretion. Because such matters as consumer requirements, manufacturing practice and historical usage vary between member states, the pattern of approval of additives for use in food and conditions for such use is very complex between the 12 members states. It is therefore not possible to produce a comprehensive list in the way that my hon. Friend has requested but if he would care to write to me indicating those food additives or groups of food additives in which he is particularly interested I will endeavour to give him a detailed reply.