§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the process by which her Department analyses risk from(a) crops and (b) animal feed contaminated with (i) industrial chemicals, (ii) pesticides and (iii) drugs. [66348]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 3 July 2002]: The Government undertake an extensive veillance programme for pesticide residues. Priority is given to the surveillance of crops but some animal feed is also tested. A total of some 4,000 samples are analysed each year for a wide range of pesticides generating over 100,000 individual test results. The results for the testing programme are all published in the quarterly reports of the independent Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC) available on its website at www.pesticides.gov.uk/committees/PRC/prc.htm
A consumer risk assessment is conducted in relation to all residues which exceed a statutory maximum residue level or are otherwise of potential concern. The methodology used in these risk assessments and their outcomes are described in the PRC's reports.
953WThe methodology of risk assessment for residues in animal feeds is more complex. It assesses both the potential risk to the animal and the potential risk to humans consuming animal products from the animal. Ministers are advised on the aspects of risk assessment for pesticides by an independent expert committee, the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP). Details of the committee are available from its website at www.pesticides.gov.uk/committees/acp/acp.htm
While the VMD does not analyse feed for contamination with drugs, it does operate a surveillance programme for veterinary drug residues in animals and animal products. If residues are found in excess of specified limits, the cause is investigated.