Written question asked by Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 1 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 September 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 September 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the average levels of fumicosin and aflatoxin in UK maize grain produced organically; what estimate he has made of the average levels of fumicosin and aflatoxin in UK maize grain used in the human and animal food industry. - No figures given.

Answer: Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the average levels of fumicosin and aflatoxin in UK maize grain produced organically; [128695] (2) what estimate he has made of the average levels of fumicosin and aflatoxin in UK maize grain used in the human and animal food industry. [128696] Miss Melanie Johnson: United Kingdom maize grain is either used as `corn on the cob' or for animal feed, usually as maize silage. There is no data available regarding the average level of fumonisins or aflatoxins in these products, whether conventionally or organically produced. The Food Standards Agency is currently carrying out a survey of retail maize products, including 'corn on the cob', for a range of mycotoxins, including fumonisins and aflatoxins. It is anticipated that the results of this survey will be available in December 2003.

Secondary information