§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration has been given by the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment to the use of mineral hydrocarbons in food packaging, baking and related applications; what account the committee has taken of studies reported by the British Biological Research Association on the use of hydrocarbon oils and waxes; what further studies are recommended; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) advised in 1988 that mineral hydrocarbons should no longer be permitted in food because of evidence from laboratory animal experiments that they could accumulate in certain organs and cause damage to these organs.
It is now reviewing its advice following subsequent receipt of the toxicity studies carried out by the British Industrial Biological Research Association (BIBRA) on mineral hydrocarbon oils and waxes. Their advice, and any recommendations for further research studies, will be considered by Ministers together with advice on this subject from the Food Advisory Committee.