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To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she will take legislative steps to stop nitrates and phosphates entering protected landscapes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she will take legislative steps to stop nitrates and phosphates entering protected landscapes.
In the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025, we set out an ambitious target to reduce total nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution from agriculture to the water environment by at least 18% in catchments containing protected sites in unfavourable condition due to nutrient pollution by December 2030.
The government is developing the strongest programme on record for tackling water pollution from agriculture by using all the levers available including a commitment to consolidate the agricultural water regulatory framework into a single, clear and robust regulation and strengthen standards. We also set out plans for consultation on extending environmental permitting to dairy and intensive beef farms.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in nitrate levels in river water-courses in Surrey Heath constituency.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in nitrate levels in river water-courses in Surrey Heath constituency.
The Environment Act sets targets to reduce phosphate entering rivers from sewage treatment. In Surrey Heath, the phosphorous permit at Camberley STW will be reduced to 0.25 mg/l as part of a Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) improvement scheme.
The Environment agency is actively working with water companies to review nitrate levels in the river Thames and influence the safeguard zone action plans.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the levels of nitrates in English waterways.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the levels of nitrates in English waterways.
The levels of pollution in our waters, including nitrates, are unacceptable. We are prioritising cleaning up our waters.
We are reviewing the Environmental Improvement Plan and will create a new, statutory plan for how the department will protect and restore our national environment and meet each of our ambitious targets, including reducing pollution. We nonetheless continue to work with farmers to deliver improvements and drive down agricultural pollution including through regulations, Environmental Land Management schemes and advisory services. As a first key step, we have established a programme to reform the agriculture water regulations to ensure they effectively deliver pollution reductions whilst supporting farm businesses to grow.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the levels of phosphates and nitrates in England's waterways; and whether they intend to extend safety protections to people involved in water sports on those waterways.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the levels of phosphates and nitrates in England's waterways; and whether they intend to extend safety protections to people involved in water sports on those waterways.
The level of water pollution is unacceptable. That is why cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas is a priority for the government. Working with farmers and the wider industry is key to delivering against this priority.
Under the Environment Act 2021, a legally binding target was set to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment from agriculture entering the water environment by 40% by 2038. A suite of proportionate and effective regulations, advice and incentives are in place to support delivery of this target and reduce pollution. We are focused on working with farmers to improve compliance to meet their obligations and make improvements to their businesses.
UK Health Security Agency and the Environment Agency offer advice in their ‘Swim Healthy’ guidance on swimming in open waters: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/swim-healthy-leaflet/swim-healthy.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the safety of nitrate compounds used to colour preserved meat pink.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the safety of nitrate compounds used to colour preserved meat pink.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) considers the existing levels of nitrites in the United Kingdom to be sufficiently protective for consumers, and they remain important preservatives in a range of foods, which control a range of harmful micro-organisms. However, as with all additives, this remains under review.
The FSA has recently worked with industry across the United Kingdom to understand the levels used in processed meat, cheese, and fish products. This is in light of the recent changes in the European Union (EU). Currently, the UK’s position on the EU’s changes is being formulated, whilst ensuring foods remain safe.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate are sold securely for lawful purposes.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate are sold securely for lawful purposes.
The Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023 introduced new substances to the lists of regulated explosives precursors and poisons including the acquisition, importation, supply, possession and use of ammonium nitrate above 16% nitrogen. From 1 October 2023 businesses supplying ammonium nitrate above 16% nitrogen to business customers need to take additional steps to verify the legitimacy of the professional user or business. They must now obtain a form of photographic identification as well as the business name and address, a statement of the nature of their trade and their VAT registration number. This information must be recorded and retained for 18 months and available for inspection. Ammonium nitrate is listed as a regulated explosives precursor meaning a member of the public is only able to import, acquire possess or use the substance with a valid Explosives Precursors and Poisons Licence. Calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate are listed as reportable explosives precursors under the Poisons Act 1972 meaning a business selling these substances must report any potential suspicious transactions within 24 hours.
The Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) controls the supply and distribution of AN in GB. The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) manages the development and implementation of the scheme under the supervision of the FIAS Steering Group.
In GB, should any products contain more than 28% by weight of ammonium nitrate, then they should also meet the requirements of The Ammonium Nitrate Materials (High Nitrogen Content) Safety Regulations 2003.
In Northern Ireland, the Control of Explosives Precursors etc. Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 are in operation. Under these regulations, ammonium nitrate is classified as a tier 1 substance, and therefore requires a licence for supply, acquisition, possession, use or import into Northern Ireland. Individuals who hold a tier 1 substance licence must complete a record of each acquisition, supply or import into Northern Ireland. Individuals with a license have obligations towards keeping records and obtaining police consent for transactions over a certain weight or measure.
The government announced plans to change Habitats Regulations which underpin nutrient neutrality. The amendments were rejected by the House of Lords.
The government announced plans to change Habitats Regulations which underpin nutrient neutrality. The amendments were rejected by the House of Lords.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of how much was spent by water companies on removing (a) pesticides and (b) nitrates from drinking water supplies in each of the last five years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of how much was spent by water companies on removing (a) pesticides and (b) nitrates from drinking water supplies in each of the last five years.
Ongoing general expenditure information for pesticide and nitrate removal is not collated or held on an annual basis by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she will take to ensure water companies provide adequate plant and technology to abstract polluting nitrates from watercourses.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she will take to ensure water companies provide adequate plant and technology to abstract polluting nitrates from watercourses.
The Government is taking action to ensure that the water industry tackles nitrogen pollution.
A large programme of monitoring has been undertaken to establish whether elevated nitrogen is giving rise to eutrophication in estuaries and coastal waters that exceed their numerical nitrogen standards. Where this is the case, water companies have been required to put in place more stringent nutrient removal treatment at wastewater treatment works. This can see the level of nitrate in wastewater effluent reduced by 70-80%.
This investment forms part of the total £2.5 billion that water companies are investing in measures to reduce nutrient pollution (nitrogen and phosphorus) from 2020 to 2025.
Beyond this, the Government has introduced new provisions to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill that will place a new statutory duty on water and sewerage companies in England to upgrade wastewater treatment works to the highest technically achievable limits by 2030 in areas currently under nutrient neutrality advice. This will see further investment at wastewater treatment works discharging to areas of the country particularly impacted by nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure the reduction of added nitrates in bacon and ham; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure the reduction of added nitrates in bacon and ham; and if he will make a statement.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) works with the food industry to ensure that nitrites and nitrates are used at the lowest possible levels to achieve its technological function without affecting the safety of the food.
The maximum legal limits for nitrates are based on scientific evaluation and monitored through risk-based compliance checks. There are no plans to reduce the levels of nitrates in processed pork products. The FSA will seek independent scientific advice should new credible studies on nitrates emerge in addition to existing evidence, to determine whether further action on authorised food additives is necessary.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the production of nitrate-free bacon and ham in England.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the production of nitrate-free bacon and ham in England.
My Lords, I declare my farming interests as set out in the register.
Nitrates are approved additives for use in pork products. The Government consider that existing levels of nitrates in food products are sufficiently protective of consumers. We are keen to support innovation in the food industry. Where individual companies use authorised alternatives, it is ultimately a commercial decision. The Government’s position is that any intervention should be restricted to areas where there are potential health and safety concerns based on available evidence.
My Lords, I declare my farming interests as set out in the register.
Nitrates are approved additives for use in pork products. The Government consider that existing levels of nitrates in food products are sufficiently protective of consumers. We are keen to support innovation in the food industry. Where individual companies use authorised alternatives, it is ultimately a commercial decision. The Government’s position is that any intervention should be restricted to areas where there are potential health and safety concerns based on available evidence.
My Lords, I declare my farming interests as set out in the register.
Nitrates are approved additives for use in pork products. The Government consider that existing levels of nitrates in food products are sufficiently protective of consumers. We are keen to support innovation in the food industry. Where individual companies use authorised alternatives, it is ultimately a commercial decision. The Government’s position is that any intervention should be restricted to areas where there are potential health and safety concerns based on available evidence.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the production of nitrate-free bacon and ham in England.
My Lords, I thank the Minister for his Answer, but I ask him: will the Government consider a review of regulation surrounding the use of nitrites in food production, following action taken in the French National Assembly to bring in legislation to minimise the use of nitrites in cured meats? Given the association of nitrites with a heightened risk of bowel cancer and that risk-free alternatives are widely available, would the Minister support a ban on the use of these chemicals in food production? When he is next in Northern Ireland, will he visit and tour factories beside me in Downpatrick that use innovation to produce nitrite-free food?
My Lords, I thank the Minister for his Answer, but I ask him: will the Government consider a review of regulation surrounding the use of nitrites in food production, following action taken in the French National Assembly to bring in legislation to minimise the use of nitrites in cured meats? Given the association of nitrites with a heightened risk of bowel cancer and that risk-free alternatives are widely available, would the Minister support a ban on the use of these chemicals in food production? When he is next in Northern Ireland, will he visit and tour factories beside me in Downpatrick that use innovation to produce nitrite-free food?
I think the company to which the noble Baroness refers produces something called Better Naked, which is a very worthy product and has a lot of innovative approaches. However, we are following the evidence on this: while the IARC published a report that said that processed meats can be carcinogenic in some cases, it does not make a direct link between
the consumption of nitrates and nitrites in processed meats and colorectal cancer. We must be very mindful of the fact that these products in meats inhibit the growth of conditions such as clostridium botulinum, which can of course be fatal.
I think the company to which the noble Baroness refers produces something called Better Naked, which is a very worthy product and has a lot of innovative approaches. However, we are following the evidence on this: while the IARC published a report that said that processed meats can be carcinogenic in some cases, it does not make a direct link between
the consumption of nitrates and nitrites in processed meats and colorectal cancer. We must be very mindful of the fact that these products in meats inhibit the growth of conditions such as clostridium botulinum, which can of course be fatal.
I think the company to which the noble Baroness refers produces something called Better Naked, which is a very worthy product and has a lot of innovative approaches. However, we are following the evidence on this: while the IARC published a report that said that processed meats can be carcinogenic in some cases, it does not make a direct link between
the consumption of nitrates and nitrites in processed meats and colorectal cancer. We must be very mindful of the fact that these products in meats inhibit the growth of conditions such as clostridium botulinum, which can of course be fatal.
My Lords, I thank the Minister for his Answer, but I ask him: will the Government consider a review of regulation surrounding the use of nitrites in food production, following action taken in the French National Assembly to bring in legislation to minimise the use of nitrites in cured meats? Given the association of nitrites with a heightened risk of bowel cancer and that risk-free alternatives are widely available, would the Minister support a ban on the use of these chemicals in food production? When he is next in Northern Ireland, will he visit and tour factories beside me in Downpatrick that use innovation to produce nitrite-free food?
My Lords, will my noble friend accept that the pig industry is suffering a crisis that is unprecedented in its history? Will he join me in regretting the closure of the Vale of Mowbray facility at Leeming Bar—a 100 year-old facility involved in world-famous pork pies—with the loss of 171 jobs? What future does he see for the pig industry in this country going forward?
My Lords, will my noble friend accept that the pig industry is suffering a crisis that is unprecedented in its history? Will he join me in regretting the closure of the Vale of Mowbray facility at Leeming Bar—a 100 year-old facility involved in world-famous pork pies—with the loss of 171 jobs? What future does he see for the pig industry in this country going forward?
We want a good future for the pig industry, which has struggled for many years. As a Government we have stepped in where we can: we introduced more visas for butchers, private storage aid and the slaughter incentive payment scheme. Over 760 tonnes of pigmeat was put into the Government’s freezer storage plan, and this has ended, to the greatest extent, the backlog of pigmeat that was on farms.
We want a good future for the pig industry, which has struggled for many years. As a Government we have stepped in where we can: we introduced more visas for butchers, private storage aid and the slaughter incentive payment scheme. Over 760 tonnes of pigmeat was put into the Government’s freezer storage plan, and this has ended, to the greatest extent, the backlog of pigmeat that was on farms.
We want a good future for the pig industry, which has struggled for many years. As a Government we have stepped in where we can: we introduced more visas for butchers, private storage aid and the slaughter incentive payment scheme. Over 760 tonnes of pigmeat was put into the Government’s freezer storage plan, and this has ended, to the greatest extent, the backlog of pigmeat that was on farms.
My Lords, will my noble friend accept that the pig industry is suffering a crisis that is unprecedented in its history? Will he join me in regretting the closure of the Vale of Mowbray facility at Leeming Bar—a 100 year-old facility involved in world-famous pork pies—with the loss of 171 jobs? What future does he see for the pig industry in this country going forward?
My Lords, nitrates are found in many foods and can be harmless, but when used to cure bacon, which is then cooked and ingested, they can result in cancers. Nitrate-free bacon represents only about 10% of current sales. We do not need chemicals to produce delicious bacon. Why are the Government not encouraging other nitrate-free methods of production? Why would the public choose something that will harm them over a non-toxic alternative?
My Lords, nitrates are found in many foods and can be harmless, but when used to cure bacon, which is then cooked and ingested, they can result in cancers. Nitrate-free bacon represents only about 10% of current sales. We do not need chemicals to produce delicious bacon. Why are the Government not encouraging other nitrate-free methods of production? Why would the public choose something that will harm them over a non-toxic alternative?
The public are informed about what is in their food by the labelling. Any nitrates or nitrites that are in food do appear on the label, so the public can make an informed choice. But I repeat what I said to the noble Baroness, Lady Ritchie, about the importance of getting a balanced view: there is not a clear scientific link between colorectal cancers and these additives. Of course, we must be mindful that these additives protect consumers from conditions such as clostridium botulinum, which, I repeat, can be fatal.
The public are informed about what is in their food by the labelling. Any nitrates or nitrites that are in food do appear on the label, so the public can make an informed choice. But I repeat what I said to the noble Baroness, Lady Ritchie, about the importance of getting a balanced view: there is not a clear scientific link between colorectal cancers and these additives. Of course, we must be mindful that these additives protect consumers from conditions such as clostridium botulinum, which, I repeat, can be fatal.
The public are informed about what is in their food by the labelling. Any nitrates or nitrites that are in food do appear on the label, so the public can make an informed choice. But I repeat what I said to the noble Baroness, Lady Ritchie, about the importance of getting a balanced view: there is not a clear scientific link between colorectal cancers and these additives. Of course, we must be mindful that these additives protect consumers from conditions such as clostridium botulinum, which, I repeat, can be fatal.
My Lords, nitrates are found in many foods and can be harmless, but when used to cure bacon, which is then cooked and ingested, they can result in cancers. Nitrate-free bacon represents only about 10% of current sales. We do not need chemicals to produce delicious bacon. Why are the Government not encouraging other nitrate-free methods of production? Why would the public choose something that will harm them over a non-toxic alternative?
My Lords, I declare my interests as set out in the register. Is the Minister aware that the vast majority of large pig producers in East Anglia set the highest possible standards and have also done all they possibly can to reduce run-off into watercourses? Surely, the challenge now is to make sure that smaller producers also follow these very high standards?
My Lords, I declare my interests as set out in the register. Is the Minister aware that the vast majority of large pig producers in East Anglia set the highest possible standards and have also done all they possibly can to reduce run-off into watercourses? Surely, the challenge now is to make sure that smaller producers also follow these very high standards?
My noble friend is absolutely right: we want to see improved animal welfare standards, productivity and growth across the agricultural sector. In East Anglia, where the majority of our larger pork enterprises exist, huge strides have been taken. As of yesterday, the pork price was about £1.98 per kilo, which is considerably up on where it was last February, when it was around £1.37. This is a massive improvement, but many pig producers are still finding that their
costs of production exceed their income. The Government are doing all we can to make sure that they are a profitable part of our farming sector.
My noble friend is absolutely right: we want to see improved animal welfare standards, productivity and growth across the agricultural sector. In East Anglia, where the majority of our larger pork enterprises exist, huge strides have been taken. As of yesterday, the pork price was about £1.98 per kilo, which is considerably up on where it was last February, when it was around £1.37. This is a massive improvement, but many pig producers are still finding that their
costs of production exceed their income. The Government are doing all we can to make sure that they are a profitable part of our farming sector.
My noble friend is absolutely right: we want to see improved animal welfare standards, productivity and growth across the agricultural sector. In East Anglia, where the majority of our larger pork enterprises exist, huge strides have been taken. As of yesterday, the pork price was about £1.98 per kilo, which is considerably up on where it was last February, when it was around £1.37. This is a massive improvement, but many pig producers are still finding that their
costs of production exceed their income. The Government are doing all we can to make sure that they are a profitable part of our farming sector.
My Lords, I declare my interests as set out in the register. Is the Minister aware that the vast majority of large pig producers in East Anglia set the highest possible standards and have also done all they possibly can to reduce run-off into watercourses? Surely, the challenge now is to make sure that smaller producers also follow these very high standards?