§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the national, European Economic Community or international agreement that imposes conditions concerning use of insecticides, or other potentially harmful substances, in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables imported into the United Kingdom for human consumption. [37265]
§ Mrs. BrowningAll imported fruit and vegetables must meet the general provisions of the Food Safety Act 1990 and other specific legislation concerning the use of insecticides and other substances. This includes
The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels in Crops, Food and Feeding Stuffs) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/1985), as amended, which set maximum residue levels for pesticides which may be used on certain commodities, including some fruit and vegetables;The Antioxidants in Food Regulations 1978 (SI 1978/105), as amended, which set maximum residue levels for certain substances which may be used on apples and pears;The Preservatives in Food Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/533), as amended, which set maximum residue levels for certain substances which may be used on citrus fruit and bananas;Directive 86/2783, which controls the use of sludge for agricultural purposes implemented in the UK by the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/1263), as amended.In addition, the use of products on home produced fruit and vegetables is controlled by the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 and the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986.