Asked by: Monica Harding (Liberal Democrat - Esher and Walton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps to introduce a maximum limit on levels of glyphosate in menstrual products.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Most period products are regulated by the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which requires all products to be safe and for consumers to be provided with information on the potential risks of a product.
Officials are currently reviewing the evidence base concerning the safety of period products, from which any evidence gaps will be identified, and appropriate expert evidence or further research sought. Where appropriate the Department will seek to work with other interested Government Departments, including those with responsibility for the regulation of glyphosate.
Asked by: Monica Harding (Liberal Democrat - Esher and Walton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with menstrual product manufacturers on the adequacy of levels of glyphosate in menstrual products.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
My officials engage regularly with a number of industry bodies, including the Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association who represent the UK disposable nappy, adult continence care and period product industries.
Subject to Royal Assent of the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, the Government will consult on a range of issues, including the safety of period products, to ensure that any changes to the regulatory framework are robust and consistent. As part of this, we are considering further research and testing in this area to complement the consultation, as well as engaging with other interested Government Departments in reviewing any evidence and agreeing a way forward following consultation.