Asked by: Julian Smith (Conservative - Skipton and Ripon)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Food Standards Agency plans to develop guidance for residents in areas with high environmental lead contamination on the safe consumption of locally produced food.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.
Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.
Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.
The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.
Asked by: Julian Smith (Conservative - Skipton and Ripon)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Food Standards Agency plans to conduct targeted testing of food products in areas with high concentrations of abandoned lead mines.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.
Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.
Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.
The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.
Asked by: Julian Smith (Conservative - Skipton and Ripon)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the Food Standards Agency plans to (a) complete and (b) publish its review of dietary lead as part of its risk analysis programme.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.
Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.
Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.
The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.
Asked by: Julian Smith (Conservative - Skipton and Ripon)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of food chain information sheets for allowing farmers rearing animals on land with high lead levels to (a) accurately declare this information and (b) dispose of appropriate offal.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne
Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.
The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.
Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.
The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.
Asked by: Julian Smith (Conservative - Skipton and Ripon)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on conducting lead level tests on food products sold in local shops within areas known to have high levels of environmental lead contamination.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne
Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.
The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.
Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.
The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.
Asked by: Julian Smith (Conservative - Skipton and Ripon)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason has the Food Standards Agency not set an established threshold for lead content in eggs.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne
Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.
The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.
Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.
The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.
Asked by: Julian Smith (Conservative - Skipton and Ripon)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to maintain international standards on lead thresholds for foodstuffs.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne
Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.
The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.
Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.
The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.