Committee on Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment: Reclassification

Wednesday 15th October 2025 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)]

The Committee on Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment is an advisory non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

COM’s members serve on a voluntary basis and are not remunerated. Their highly valuable independent expert advice informs policy decisions across Government on appropriate safeguards on health risks from mutagenic compounds in consumer products, for example restrictions or regulations on contaminants in food packaging.

Earlier this year, the Cabinet Office undertook a review of arm’s length bodies in line with the aims of the plan for change as set out by the Government. As part of the outputs of this review, COM will be reclassified as a departmental expert committee.

COM will continue to maintain the current remit, secretariat and membership to allow the continuity of its work and secure its critical functions with no disruption to its operations or expert advice.

[HCWS963]