§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the use of Canthaxanthin in animal feedstuffs; and if he has any proposals to restrict its use.
§ Mr. MacleanCanthaxanthin is permitted in poultry and fish feedingstuffs under EC directive 70/524 for the purpose of enhancing the colour of egg yolks and fish flesh. It is mandatory for all member states to allow canthaxanthin to be freely marketed and used in such feedingstuffs according to the limits laid down in the directive. Representations for and against these uses have been received.
In the United Kingdom, the use of the colourant canthaxanthin in poultry and fish feed is under review and I understand the EC Commission has also asked its Scientific Committee for Food and Scientific Committee for Animal Nutrition to do the same.