HC Deb 05 June 1990 vol 173 cc498-9W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration his Ministry has given to the steam pasteurisation process for herbs and spices; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

I understand that two commercial companies claim to have developed steam pasteurisation processes for reducing microbiological contamination of' herbs and spices. It is too early to say, however, whether either of these processes will provide a satisfactory replacement for chemical treatment in all circumstances. Neither process involves the sort of radically new technology which might warrant consideration by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.

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