Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 185: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and type of food ingredients which have recently been banned on health grounds; if other food ingredients are being considered in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7044/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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A number of food ingredients have been prohibited from sale across the European Union in recent years.

In May 2003 the problem of Sudan Red 1 in a dried hot chilli product was identified by the French authorities and notified to the European Commission. As a result of concerns about the potentially carcinogenic properties of the contaminant, the European Commission set controls on three country imports of hot chilli products into all EU countries. In April 2004 the European Commission suspended the marketing in the European Union of jelly mini-cups containing certain food additives derived from seaweed and-or certain gums. Jelly mini-cups are a single portion, pre-packaged sweet or confectionery, mainly intended for children. They are considered a life-threatening choking risk because of their consistency, shape and form. The authorisation for use of a similar food additive, Konjac, E 425, in jelly confectionery, including jelly mini-cups, was previously withdrawn.

Currently there is a proposal under discussion at the Council of the European Union to amend Directive 95/2/EC which deals with food additives other than colours and sweeteners. Among other provisions, the proposal will withdraw the authorisation for use of the food additive propyl paraben, E 216 and E 217. Parabens, E 214 to 219, are antimicrobial agents used by food manufacturers as a preservative in meat products and potato snacks. An opinion from the European Food Safety Authority suggests that propyl paraben could have an effect on reproductive health in exposed individuals.

My Department keeps the situation under constant review and is advised by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland which bases its risk assessments on scientific opinions published by the European Food Safety Authority.