The Mineral Hydrocarbons in Food Regulations 1966

EXPLANATORY NOTE

These regulations, which supersede the Mineral Hydrocarbons in Food Regulations 1964, apply to England and Wales only, and come into operation on 27th August 1966.

The regulations prohibit (subject to certain exemptions relating to dried fruit, citrus fruit, sugar confectionery, food of which dried fruit, citrus fruit or sugar confectionery is an ingredient, lubricants, the rind of pressed cheese, and eggs) the use of any mineral hydrocarbon in the composition or preparation of food, the sale of food containing any mineral hydrocarbon, and the consignment, delivery or importation of any food containing any mineral hydrocarbon (regulation 4). The regulations do not apply to any food intended for exportation to any place outside the United Kingdom (regulation 3).

The regulations lay down revised specifications for mineral hydrocarbons the use of which is regulated in relation to the permitted exemptions, including a test for limits of content of certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (regulation 3(2) and Schedule).

The regulations also make provision for the following:—

(a)

the condemnation of food containing mineral hydrocarbons in contravention of the regulations (regulation 5);

(b)

penalties for infringement of the regulations (regulation 6);

(c)

enforcement by food and drugs authorities or (as regards the provisions of regulations 4 and 5 in so far as they relate to importation) by port health authorities (regulation 7); and

(d)

application of certain sections of the Food and Drugs Act 1955) relating to legal proceedings (regulation 8).