§ Mr. MarlandTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take following the announcement on 4 February that the Government accept the advice of the Advisory Committee on Irradiated and Novel Foods on the safety and wholesomeness of irradiated foods.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonIt may be that this technology, if properly controlled and applied may offer real health and economic benefits for the consumer in some food areas where the alternatives are not as safe or effective in ensuring keeping food sound and wholesome. However, we must look carefully at how this might be achieved in a controlled and phased manner before we can consider lifting the current ban on the use of irradiation on food in the United Kingdom.
I have therefore asked officials to report before the end of the year. I have particularly asked for advice on the criteria for assessing applications to use irradiation, what conditions might be imposed in giving any such permission including consideration of the availability of detection tests, arrangements for licensing and inspection of food irradiation plants, the monitoring of the extent of use of food irradiation, and a complete consumer information programme including appropriate food labelling provisions. In drawing up advice officials will take into account the sorts of controls that are applied by those countries, which includes some our European partners, where food irradiation is permitted.
We shall not make any proposals to amend or adjust the current general prohibition without the full public consultation required by the Food Acts.