HC Deb 26 October 1989 vol 158 cc534-5W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the implications for United Kingdom policy of the guideline levels drawn up for radioactivity-contaminated food in transfrontier trade, drawn up by the Codex alimentarius Commission under the auspices of the World Health Organisation and Food and Agriculture Organisations.

Mr. Maclean

I have been asked to reply.

In the event of a future nuclear accident, the United Kingdom would be bound by the maximum levels of radioactive contamination established by the European Community. These are set out in Regulation (Euratom) 3954/87, as amended by Regulation (Euratom) 2218/89, and Regulation (EEC) 219/89.

The levels established by the Community are entirely consistent with the advisory, de minimis levels recently promulgated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, below which no food control restrictions need apply.