Alarm Over Cancer Link in Foods From Abroad

THE public are at increasing risk from contaminated food from abroad, it was claimed yesterday.

Products most affected are chicken, beef, seafood and honey, all of which could contain toxic residues linked to cancer, the Soil Association said.

Imported foods are not required to go through the same rigorous testing regime as those produced in the UK.

As a result, drugs and disinfectants used to treat farm animals, shellfish and even beehives can find their way into food sold in supermarkets.

Testing is conducted by the Government’s Veterinary Residues Committee, which argues it needs Pounds 2million a year to do its job properly.

Rather than increase the budget, however, DEFRA has cut the committee’s funding from Pounds 1million a year to Pounds 900,000.

Soil Association policy adviser Richard Young said: ‘There are real dangers from some residues in food which may cause health problems.’ He also criticised plans for the residues committee to start announcing which foods are to be tested instead of making unannounced spot checks as it does now.

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