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Professor  responds to MP on lead contamination in the UK food chain

Monday, 28 October 2024 10:07

Julian Smith has inquired about lead contamination in food

Professor Alan Boobis, Professor of Toxicology, has formally responded to an inquiry from Sir Julian Smith MP for Skipton and Ripon.

Professor Alan Boobis is the Chairman of the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products, and the Environment (COT)

The inquiry made by Julian Smith sought clarification on the COT's work regarding lead contamination in the UK food chain, following a recent investigation by the Financial Times.

The Financial Times report highlighted the environmental risk posed by over 8,500 abandoned mines across the UK, with 412 of them located within Julian's constituency of Skipton and Ripon.

These sites have been shown to release toxic metals, including lead, which can accumulate in waterways and soil, entering agricultural systems and potentially contaminating food sources.

In his response, Professor Boobis acknowledged the potential risks posed by lead exposure.

“The main” concern stated Professor Boobis,

“is developmental neurotoxicity in young children, with evidence showing that the developing brain is more vulnerable to the neurotoxicity of lead than the adult brain; this is associated with a reduced Intelligence Quotient (IQ) score and reduced cognitive functions in children exposed to high levels of lead.”

Professor Boobis went on to explain that while the risk from dietary lead is generally low for most of the population.

He emphasised that "exposure should be as low as reasonably achievable" and reassured that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is actively monitoring lead levels in food, ensuring consumer protection.

In response to the letter, Julian expressed appreciation for the assessment provided by Professor Boobis and the COT. Julian said,

“The health and safety of constituents is of utmost priority.

I thank Professor Boobis for his detailed response and I will continue to work with the relevant agencies to help mitigate the risks from lead contamination and ensure that our food chain remains safe.”

You can read Pressor Boobis’s full letter here. 

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