§ Mr. HagueTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the review of sheep dip products has been completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe independent Veterinary Products Committee—VPC—has completed the initial phase of its review. It has concluded that at present there is no clear evidence that sheep dips cause an unacceptable level of health risk to humans when used in accordance with the label instructions. Nevertheless the VPC has noted that certain aspects of the products and conditions of use need further evaluation, in particular; the level of purity of the active ingredient; the toxicity of other ingredients and solvents in the product formulations; studies of farm operators, including blood tests and details of protective clothing worn; studies to show which areas of the bodies of operators are most exposed; the persistence of residues in the fleece.
The companies concerned are being asked to provide additional data by the end of 1992. These, together with any further reports of suspected adverse reactions, will then be considered by the VPC. On the basis of its advice, decisions will then be taken by the licensing authority on the future authorisation of sheep dip products.
Meanwhile, it is essential that all those who use sheep dips should read the product labels and follow the manufacturers' instructions for preparing the dip solution and carrying out the dipping. All operators must ensure that they wear the necessary protective clothing when preparing the dip, dipping and handling freshly dipped sheep. The use of sheep dips is subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. Health and Safety Executive leaflet AS 29 "Sheep Dipping—Protect your Health" sets out the minimum items of personal protective equipment normally identified on the product label and that need to be worn when sheep dipping.