HC Deb 25 January 1990 vol 165 c820W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any proposals to introduce maximum limits of nitrates permissible in winter vegetables grown in intensive growing systems; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

Levels of nitrates in vegetables are kept under close review as part of the Government's ongoing programme of food surveillance. The committee on toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment has examined the results of this monitoring and concluded that any possible risk to health from dietary intake of nitrates is likely to be small. Accordingly. I have no proposals to introduce maximum limits.