§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to which countries in the European Community have incorporated into their domestic legislation a ban on the use of clenbuterol as a growth promoting substance.
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§ Mr. SoamesI am not aware of any member state which has introduced a specific ban on the use of Clenbuterol as a growth-promoting substance. It is, however, contrary to EC legislation for a veterinary medicinal product to be used for a purpose other than that for which it is licensed, unless under the direction and authority of a veterinary practitioner. No member state has licensed the use of Clenbuterol other than for therapeutic purposes.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the health risk to citizens of the United Kingdom from beef produced in countries which have ineffective controls over the misuse of clenbuterol.
§ Mr. SoamesAll member states are required to submit to the Commission annually details of their national plans for the examination for residues, including clenbuterol, in live animals and fresh meat. Similar arrangements apply in respect of third countries importing meat into the Community.
Ongoing surveillance in the UK for clenbuterol in imported meat is carried out under a scheme, co-ordinated by the working party on veterinary residues in animal products, which is directed at retail and wholesale premises and extends to both imported and domestic supplies. Because of the evidence of abuse of clenbuterol outside Great Britain, surveillance is being increased this year. A new sampling programme for imported meat will also commence shortly under which samples of imported bovine tissues will be collected and analysed for clenbuterol residues.
The consumption of meat containing excessive residues of clenbuterol can result in increased pulse rate and palpitations. There is no evidence of any such cases of illness arising in the United Kingdom.