HC Deb 29 January 1988 vol 126 c415W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what food imports have been refused entry to the United Kingdom since 26 April 1986 due to levels of radioactivity above the permitted limit; what was their country of origin; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

Central records on the monitoring of food imports by port health authorities for radiation contamination following the Chernobyl nuclear accident show that consignments of dried prunes from Romania, and hazelnuts, laurel bay leaves, oregano and sage from Turkey have exceeded maximum permitted levels. All consignments concerned have been refused entry into the United Kingdom.

Port health authorities are continuing to monitor food imports from countries outside the European Community in accordance with the latest European Council regulation (EEC No. 3955/87 of 22 December 1987).