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Oestrogen

Answer

The Drinking Water Inspectorate, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), has carried out and published a risk assessment on endocrine disrupting chemicals, including oestrogen hormones. The most recent evidence shows that it is highly unlikely that these substances are present in drinking water. In addition, water companies are required by law to risk assess each water supply and to test the raw water for any substances that might be present at a level of concern to public health.

Oestrogens are natural hormones and as such will be found in foods of animal origin such as meat, eggs and milk. Oestrogenic hormones are produced naturally by some plants. Very low levels of various synthetic chemicals with oestrogenic activity can also be present in some foods. Any takeaway food comprising one or more of these ingredients may contain traces of oestrogens. The Food Standards Agency has not conducted any survey to assess the levels of oestrogens in takeaway foods and has no plans to do so.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

109797; 546 c155W

Session

2012-13

Subjects

Hormones Water supply Take-away food

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk