§ Mr. SalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment in respect of the sale of soft PVC toys. [68917]
§ Dr. HowellsThe independent Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (SCTEE) was asked by the European Commission to provide an opinion on the use of phthalate plasticisers in soft PVC toys, including tethers. The SCTEE made a number of recommendations and observations. These include concerns about the possible use of one phthalate (DEHP) in toys intended to be mouthed by children and a recommendation on a safe migration level for DINP. The SCTEE's assessment of the toxicity of phthalates is consistent with the views of the EU Scientific Committee for Food.
Tests of PVC toys and tethers have been commissioned by DTI, based on the SCTEE's recommendations. These indicate that DEHP is no longer used in PVC toys and to date no toys have been found on the UK market which release DINP in levels above those recommended by the SCTEE. A programme of testing to monitor phthalates release levels is continuing.