§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what testing methods are recommended or approved for importers to ensure that food imports have not been treated with ionizing radiation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Currie[pursuant to her reply, 13 July 1987]: At present, there are no tests available to detect whether food has been irradiated. Under the Food (Control of Irradiation) Regulations 1967, it is illegal to import irradiated food. Port health authorities are watchful for any indication of irradiation as evidenced by accompanying documentation or markings on the packaging. It is hoped that research in the United Kingdom and elsewhere will lead to the development of testing methods within the next few years.