Written question asked by Derek Wyatt (Labour) on Friday, 7 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 February 2003. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 February 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what tests will be carried out to check the levels of canthaxanthin in (a) poultry and (b) eggs imported into this country from non-EU countries.

Answer: Mr. Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what tests will be carried out to check the levels of canthaxanthin in (a) poultry and (b) eggs imported into this country from non-EU countries. [97578] Ms Blears: There are no statutory maximum permitted levels for canthaxanthin in eggs or poultry against which such tests could monitor compliance. Nevertheless, I am advised that the Food Standards Agency is considering such surveillance of canthaxanthin in food derived from European Union and non-EU countries as would be necessary both to inform the setting of future maximum residue levels and to inform estimates of consumer exposure.

Secondary information