| answer text |
<p>Government set up the independent Lead Ammunition Group in 2010 to provide advice
on risks to wildlife and human health from lead shot game. The Government is considering
the independent Lead Ammunition Group’s report on the effect of lead shot on human
and wildlife health and will respond as soon as possible The Food Standards Agency
(FSA) accepts the expert advice of the UK Committee on Toxicity and the European Food
Safety Authority that it is not possible to set a safe level for exposure to lead
from food. However, to better understand the potential risk to UK consumers the FSA
produced a risk assessment in 2012 based on its survey data from 2007 of game meat
samples; Veterinary Medicines Directorate data from the national surveillance scheme
was also considered. The FSA risk assessment considered the potential levels of exposure
to lead from lead shot game for adults, children and toddlers based on different levels
of game meat consumption.</p><p>This risk assessment led to FSA issuing targeted advice
to frequent consumers of lead shot game in 2012, warning of the potential risks. The
advice was promoted as especially important for vulnerable groups such as toddlers
and children, pregnant women and women trying for a baby, as exposure to lead can
harm the developing brain and nervous system. The FSA risk assessment was published
along with this advice. The Government has not estimated the number of people who
regularly consume game meat shot with lead.</p><p>More generally, the FSA, works on
behalf of the UK within the European Union to agree harmonised controls to reduce
public exposure to lead in the food chain. EU maximum limits apply for lead in a range
of foods and these are regularly reviewed by the EU Commission and member states.
These maximum limits apply to all food produced in the EU or imported to the EU.</p><p><strong></strong></p>
|
|
