Dr. David ClarkeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the research projects he is funding to investigate the potential hazards of dioxins in food; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he is investigating the presence of and potential hazard of dioxins in food arising through contact with packaging from bleached paper products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ryder[holding answer 14 February 1989]: I am currently funding three research projects on dioxins in food:
- (i) an investigation into the possible occurrence of dioxins in food arising from the use of paper-based packaging materials;
- (ii) a survey of dioxin levels in retail fatty foods;
- (iii) a pilot study on dioxin levels in encompassing the major food groups in the United Kingdom diet.