§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy on the safeguarding of animal and human health in relation to bracken, in the light of current research into its carcinogenic properties.
§ Mr. Peter Walker[holding answer 18 May 1989]: Carcinogenic dangers for animals in relation to bracken are kept under review by the state veterinary service and appropriate advice is available where required. An advisory leaflet is available from ADAS.
765WThe possibility of a link between bracken and cancer in humans has been considered by the Department of Health's committee on the carcinogenicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment. Their conclusion was that while the possibility of a health hazard exists, available evidence does not permit the risk to be defined with any precision. In view of COC's recommendation for long-term research, investigations have recently begun into the possible entry of toxins from bracken into the food chain. The results will not be available for some time. The COC has advised the Health and Safety Executive to issue safety advice to operators regularly cutting bracken, in view of their occupational exposure, as a precautionary measure.