§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what labelling requirements apply in respect of the use of genetically modified ingredients in cosmetics; [73405]
771W(2) what controls exist over the use of genetically modified (a) maize and (b) soya in skin-care and cosmetics, with particular regard to the presence of antibiotics originating from marker genes. [73406]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answers 1 March 1999]The safety of cosmetic products is controlled by the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1996, and all cosmetic ingredients have to be given on the label. All cosmetics are required to be safe under normal use. No specific controls exist for ingredients which may be derived from a genetically modified plant source and there are no specific requirements for manufacturers to mention this on the product label. However, the Regulations specifically prohibit the use of antibiotics.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the health implications of the use of(a) genetically modified soya and (b) genetically modified maize in cosmetic products, with particular regard to the presence of antibiotics originating from marker genes. [73404]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 1 March 1999]: The safety of cosmetic products is controlled by the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1996, as amended. The Regulations specifically prohibit the use of antibiotics, but no overall assessment has been made of the health implications of ingredients which may be derived from a genetically modified plant source.