§ Viscount Thursoasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will take steps to warn the public that absinthe, in addition to alcohol, contains the hallucinogenic agent thujone.[HL2789]
16WA
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Donoughue)Absinthe, like any other food or drink product sold for human consumption in the UK, must satisfy the current food safety legislation. This includes regulations which set maximum levels for thujone in flavoured foods and beverages. A Public Analyst's report has confirmed that thujone is not present at significant levels in the product which was recently introduced on to the UK market. There is therefore no need to provide specific warnings to consumers about this drink.
§ Viscount Thursoasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of the fact that the sale of absinthe is banned in many European countries and in the United States, they are considering a similar ban in this country. [HL2790]
§ Lord DonoughueThe Government have no plans to introduce such measures. Absinthe, like any other food or drink product sold for human consumption in the UK, must satisfy the current legislation on food safety. Provided it does so, there is no obstacle to its importation or sale.