COT
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COT statements by year
These statements are the main form in which the Committee presents its advice.
These are listed below.
- COT statements 2012
- COT statements 2011
- COT statements 2010
- COT statements 2009
- COT statements 2008
- COT statements 2007
- COT statements 2006
- COT statements 2005
- COT statements 2004
- COT statements 2003
- COT statements 2002
- COT statements 2001
- COT statements 2000
- COT statements 1999
- COT statements 1998
- COT statements 1997
- COT statements 1996
COT statements 2012
COT Statement on the FSA Phystoestrogens research programme
The COT reviewed the contribution of the phytoestrogens research programme and assessed its contribution to FSA’s policy aims. The statement sets out their conclusions and serves as a closing review of this research programme.
COT statements 2011
COT Statement on FSA-funded research and other progress on mixtures of pesticides and similar substances
The COT’s 2002 report on Risk Assessment of Mixtures of Pesticides and Similar Substances made a number of research and other recommendations. The FSA funded 17 research projects to address the recommendations. The COT was asked for advice on the conclusions that could be drawn from the research reports, and the extent to which the research and recommendations in the 2002 report had been addressed
COT joint statement on the timing of introduction of gluten into the infant diet
The COT and SACN was asked to assess the scientific evidence on timing of introduction of gluten into the infant diet and subsequent risk of developing coeliac disease or type 1 diabetes mellitus.
COT statement on dietary exposure to phthalates - data from the Total Diet Study (TDS)
Phthalates are chemical compounds used in a range of household and consumer goods which may be present in food due to environmental contamination or release from plastic food packaging. The COT was invited to consider potential risks to consumers from dietary exposure to phthalates, estimated from 2007 Total Diet Study samples.
COT statement on idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI)
Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (IEI) is the name given to the condition also known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). The COT reviewed the available literature on IEI in 1999 and in 2000. The current review examined the evidence regarding whether there is a plausible explanation for the occurrence of IEI and in particular whether there might be a toxicological explanation for IEI.
COT statement on para-occupational exposure to pesticides and health outcomes other than cancer
The COT carried out a review of the epidemiological literature on para-occupational exposure to pesticides and health. Para-occupational exposure is defined as exposure which occurs in households who live with an occupationally exposed worker, but who are not themselves occupationally exposed. The COT's conclusions can be found in the statement.
COT statement on the effects of chronic dietary exposure to methanol
Methanol has characteristic toxic effects at high doses. However, methanol also occurs in the diet in fruit and vegetables and from the breakdown of the artificial sweetener aspartame as well as being produced naturally within the body. The COT was asked to consider the potential effects of low level, chronic exposure to methanol.
COT summary statement on restriction report: Proposal for a restriction Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP)
Phthalates are chemical compounds used in a range of household, consumer goods and food packaging. The COT was asked to consider the risk assessment used to support further restrictions which had been drafted by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
COT statements 2010
COT second statement on landfill sites
The view of the COT was sought on work commissioned by the Environment Agency which measured concentrations of chemicals around the boundaries of municipal waste landfill sites, and on new epidemiology studies.
COT statement on occurrence of mixed halogenated dioxins and biphenyls in UK food
The COT was asked to consider FSA funded research to develop methods to measure the levels of a selection of mixed halogenated dioxins (dioxins containing both chlorine and bromine) in food. This research, which is published on Foodbase, the FSA’s open access repository was the first to measure mixed halogenated dioxins in food.
COT statements 2009
COT statement on chlorinated paraffins in food
Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are a large group of several thousand individual chemicals. The Committee was asked for advice on possible risks associated with the levels of CPs in foodstuffs that had been found in a Food Standards Agency (FSA) investigation.
COT statement on glucosamine and hepatotoxicity
Glucosamine is a popular food supplement taken alone or in combination with chondroitin sulphate. In view of a small number of case reports linking glucosamine and hepatitis, including one that became the subject of a Scottish Fatal Accident Inquiry, the COT was asked to consider whether a causal association between glucosamine and hepatitis was plausible.
COT statement on methylglyoxal
The Committee was asked to review the available information on occurrence and potential toxicity of methylglyoxal (MG) in foods. MG is possibly an intermediate in the formation of acrylamide in foods and elevated biological levels of MG have been associated with a number of diseases. The Committee looked at the available evidence and produced the following statement.
COT statement on the COT workshop on 21st century toxicology
In February 2009 the Committee held a workshop where invited experts described recent advances in toxicogenomics, computational toxicology, metabonomics and high-throughput screening. The emphasis was on obtaining greater mechanistic understanding, which informs risk assessment and provides a basis for predictive toxicology. This statement summarises the presentations and Committee discussions.
COT statement on the tolerable daily intake for perfluorooctanoic acid
The COT set a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in 2006. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) have derived a TDI and a Provisional Health Advisory Value, respectively, using the same toxicity endpoint but using different uncertainty factors. Hence the COT was invited to re-evaluate the TDI previously recommended.
COT statement polychlorinated naphthalenes in food
Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are a group of 75 congeners, with structures similar to those of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans (PCDDs and PCDFs). The Committee was asked for advice on possible risks associated with the levels of PCNs in foodstuffs that had been found in a Food Standards Agency (FSA) investigation.
COT statements 2008
COT statement on FSA funded research on health effects of mixtures of food additives (T01040/41)
The COT discussed the results of a Food Standards Agency-funded study on the effects of mixtures of four food additives. This statement summarises the results and subsequent Committee discussions on their significance. The final report of the Standards Agency-funded study has been published on foodbase.
COT statement on a SAHSU study on chlorination disinfection by-products and risk of congenital anomalies in England and Wales
The COT has previously considered the issue of chlorinated drinking water and adverse reproductive outcomes and last published a statement in 2004. This opinion has now been updated in light of a new study by SAHSU of potential associations between chlorination disinfection by-products and the risk of congenital anomalies, and additional studies on other reproductive outcomes published since 2004
COT statement on pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are a large group of natural toxins produced by plants that have been associated with livestock diseases and human poisoning after contamination of staple foods. They have potential for transfer to other food products. The COT was asked for its view on the risk assessment of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food and whether it considered potential human exposure to be a concern.
COT statement on the 2006 UK total diet study of metals and other elements
The Committee was asked to comment on the survey results and assess if the levels of any of the elements in the diet posed a risk to human health.
COT statement on the COT workshop on transgenerational epigenetics
In February 2008 the Committee held a one-day workshop on transgenerational epigenetics. Invited experts gave presentations on the latest hypotheses on the potential for induction of heritable epigenetic changes by environmental factors, and the implication of such effects for chemical risk assessment. This statement summarises the presentations and subsequent Committee discussions.
COT statement on the reproductive effects of caffeine
The COT have discussed the reproductive effects of caffeine, including the results of a Food Standards Agency-funded study on effects of caffeine consumption in pregnancy on fetal growth restriction and relevant peer-reviewed literature published since its last review in 2001. The Committee have produced a statement on the reproductive effects of caffeine.
COT statement on the review of the 1998 COT recommendations on peanut avoidance
The COT was asked to assess the scientific evidence available since 1998 concerning avoidance versus exposure to peanut during early life and possible influences on the development of sensitisation and allergy to foods, with particular reference to peanut. The aim was to consider whether the recommendations to mothers that were issued by the COT in 1998 should now be amended or remain in place.
COT statement on the risk to consumers of eating foods derived from animals that have eaten bracken
Following several cases of bracken poisoning in farm animals, the Committee was asked to consider the hazards to the health of consumers eating foods derived from bracken poisoned animals, and whether there were sufficient data to establish how long poisoned animals should be left before they may safely be milked or slaughtered for human consumption.
COT update statement on the toxicology of terephthalic acid
Terephthalic acid (TPA) is used as a starting material in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which may be used in food cans and beverage bottles. COT previously considered TPA and made recommendations for further studies and a review by the Committee on Mutagenicity (COM). This statement updates the COT's 2000 view, based on the results of the new studies and COM opinion.
COT statements 2007
COT addendum to joint statement of the Committees on Toxicity, Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity on nanomaterial toxicology
The COT have issued an addendum to the COT, COC and COM joint statement on nanomaterial toxicology following a review of information on the toxicology of nanoparticles used in healthcare. This review resulted from a suggestion in the joint statement.
COT statement on FSA funded study investigating the developmental effects of dioxin (TCDD) in rats
The Committee was asked to consider data from research commissioned by the FSA to address limitations in the data used as the basis for the 2001 dioxins risk assessment. The Committee considered this study clarified some of the uncertainties in its risk assessment, and provided additional evidence that the current TDI of 2 pg/kg bw/day is protective for the developing male fetus.
COT statement on research project (TO7040) investigating the mixtures of certain food colours and a preservative on behaviour in children
The COT has reviewed the results of research investigating the effect of two mixtures of certain artificial food colours together with the preservative sodium benzoate on behaviour in children, which was conducted at the University of Southampton.
COT statement on the COT workshop on evolving approaches to chemical risk assessment
On 7 February 2007 the Committee held an open workshop on 'Evolving Approaches to Chemical Risk Assessment'. Invited expert speakers gave detailed presentations on techniques that the Committee may wish to exploit in future risk assessments. This statement summarises the presentations and subsequent Committee discussions.
COT statement on the review of the cabin air environment, ill-health in aircraft crews and the possible relationship to smoke/fume events in aircraft
The COT was asked by the Department for Transport to undertake an independent scientific review of data submitted by the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) due to concerns about the possible effects on aircrew health of oil/hydraulic fluid smoke/fume contamination incidents in commercial aircraft.
COT statement use of PAVA (nonivamide) as an incapacitant spray: reformulation of captor
The COT was asked to provide toxicological advice on the revised formulation and whether there was any increased risk to those directly or indirectly exposed to PAVA from Captor II in comparison with Captor I.
COT statements 2006
COT update to statement on the review of toxicology literature on the use of topical insect repellent diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)
The COT previously assessed the safety of DEET in 2003 and at that time made a recommendation that the literature on DEET should be regularly reviewed.
COT statement on combined exposure to 2-Chlorobenzylidene Malonitrile (CS) and PAVA (Nonivamide) sprays
The Committee has been asked by the Home Office Science Development Branch (HOSDB) for advice on the potential effects of exposure to both 2-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS) and pelargonic acid vanillylamide (PAVA).
COT statement on Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution: Crop spraying and the health of residents and bystanders - April 2006
The COT and COC were asked by Defra and the ACP to comment on the RCEP report.
COT statement on further toxicity studies in the rat of a hydrogel filler for breast implants
The Committee considered further toxicity studies in the rat of a hydrogel filler for breast implants.
COT statement on cyanogenic glycosides in bitter apricot kernels
The Food Standards Agency became aware that bitter apricot kernels containing high levels of amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside, were on sale as a health food. The COT were asked to review the available data and, if possible, to establish a maximum upper level for the safe intake of cyanide or cyanogenic substances.
COT statement on risk assessment of marine biotoxins of the okadaic acid, pectenotoxin, azaspiracid and yessotoxin groups in support of human health
The Committee was asked for its views on the risk assessment of a range of biotoxins that can occur in shellfish in order to support protection of consumer health.
COT statement on a commercial survey investigating the occurrence of disinfectants and disinfection by-products in prepared salads
The Food Standards Agency received the results of a study, investigating the occurrence and formation of disinfectants and disinfection by-products in prepared salads. The study involved analysing a range of prepared salads, bought from various shops. The COT concluded that the study results did not indicate any cause for concern with respect to the use of chlorine washes.
COT statement on 2005 WHO equivalency factors for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds
The COT has reviewed the recent WHO re-evaluation of the Toxic Equivalency Factors (TEFs) for comparing the potency of dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals. The COT agreed with the scientific rationale used in the re-evaluation and concluded that these re-evaluated TEF values should be used in future UK risk assessments of dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals.
COT meeting report on the development and function in adulthood of the human male reproductive system - potential chemical-induced effects
The COT held a meeting on 15 February 2006 to consider evidence produced since the COT last evaluated the subject in 2004 of potential chemical-induced effects on the development and function in adulthood of the human male reproductive system. Information from the presentations and subsequent COT discussions is summarised in this meeting report.
COT statement on the tolerable daily intake for perfluorooctane sulfonate
The Food Standards Agency commissioned analysis of the 2004 Total Diet Study samples for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and the Committee was invited to consider the toxicology of PFOS and the results of the analysis.
COT statement on the tolerable daily intake for perfluorooctanoic acid
The Food Standards Agency commissioned analysis of the 2004 Total Diet Study samples for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and the Committee was invited to consider the toxicology of PFOA and the results of the analysis.
COT statement on risk assessment and monitoring of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins in support of human health
The Committee was asked for its view on the risk assessment of PSP toxins, and on the best method(s) of testing for biotoxins responsible for PSP in order to support protection of the health of the consumer.
COT statement on uranium levels in water used to reconstitute infant formula
The COT has reviewed recent studies on the chemical safety of uranium because there have been concerns over uranium in natural mineral water and other bottled waters for the preparation of infant feed.
COT statement on organic chlorinated and brominated contaminants in shellfish, farmed and wild fish
The Food Standards Agency completed two surveys of a range of fish species consumed in the UK. The COT reviewed the toxicological properties of the organic contaminants and considered whether the survey results formed a basis for the Agency to amend its current advice on fish consumption. It decided that, based on these surveys, the Agency did not need to change its advice on oily fish.
COT statement on food additives and developmental neurotoxicity
The COT has reviewed possible effects of a range of food additives on the developing nervous system, because there have been recent developments in the toxicological approaches in this area.
COT statement on joint COT/CSM one day meeting on diet-drug interactions
The COT and the Committee on the Safety of Medicines held a joint meeting on the 2nd February 2005 to consider the issue of interactions between drugs and the diet. A range of topics covering many aspects of the subjects was considered. Information from the talks and subsequent discussions is summarised in the following statement.
COT statements 2005
COT joint statement on nanomaterial toxicology
The COT, COC and COM have issued a joint statement on nanomaterial toxicology.
COT statement on phosphate and the calcium parathyroid hormone axis
Following the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM) review of phosphorus, the COT was asked to consider, in detail, data (including new data not seen by the EVM) on phosphate, calcium and bone health in order to allow the Food Standards Agency to formulate appropriate advice for consumers taking phosphate supplements.
COT statements 2004
COT statement on a toxicological evaluation of chemical analyses carried out as part of a pilot study for a breast milk archive
The Food Standards Agency received the results of the SUREmilk pilot studies, which explored alternative methods for the recruitment, collection, storage and management of an archive of breast milk samples.
Joint statement of the use of toxicogenomics in toxicology
The Committees (COT, COM, COC) agreed to further consider toxicogenomics as part of the horizon scanning exercise initiated at the February 2004 COT meeting.
Joint statement on the re-assessment of the toxicological testing of tobacco
The Committees (COT/COC/COM) were asked to provide advice on these areas of toxicological assessment with reference to the assessment of PREPS and in particular tobacco-based PREPS which are smoked.
COT statement on chlorinated water and reproductive outcomes
The Committee considered the issue of chlorinated drinking water and adverse reproductive outcomes.
COT statement on the use of PAVA (Nonivamide) as an incapacitant spray
In 2004, following consideration of these new data the COT agreed the following revised conclusions on the health effects of the use of PAVA incapacitant spray.
COT statement on adverse reactions to acid sweets
Since April 2003 the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has received a number of reports of adverse reactions in children eating sour acid sweets designed to be kept in prolonged contact with the tongue.
COT statement on male reproduction
The committee has reviewed information regarding reported trends in the development of the male reproductive system and their potential chemical causes.
COT statement on tetrabromobisphenol A - review of toxicological data
As the Food Standards Agency is conducting a survey of the brominated flame retardant, tetrabromobisphenol A in fish and shellfish during 2004, the committee was invited to consider the toxicological data in advance of receiving the results of the survey.
COT statement On Tryptophan And The Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome
The COT was asked to assess the available data on the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome and to consider the risks posed by the addition of isolated tryptophan to foods, including dietary supplements.
In December 2005, the COT agreed that the statement should be amended to state that the mean therapeutic dose referred to in the conclusion was without adverse effect and so represented a NOAEL.
COT statement on brominated flame retardants in fish from the Skerne-Tees rivers system
The Food Standards Agency completed a survey to determine the concentrations of brominated flame-retardants (BFRs) in brown trout and eels from the Skerne-Tees river system. This is COT's assessment of the toxicological properties of selected BFRs and consequent advice on any health implications.
COT statement on 12 metals and other elements in the 2000 Total Diet Study
COT statement on the survey of aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, tin and zinc in the 2000 UK Total Diet Study (TDS).
Updated COT statement on a survey of mercury in fish and shellfish
Revised statement following the release of updated guidelines on mercury in fish from the World Health Organization.
COT statements 2003
Statement on physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling
This statement reports the outcome of the COT workshop held in February 2003.
COT statement on fluorine in the 1997 Total Diet Study
In 2000 the COT considered the results of a study conducted by the Food Standards Agency in which samples collected in the 1997 Total Diet Study (TDS) were analysed for the presence of fluorine, bromine and iodine.
COT statement on metals in infant food
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has carried out a survey of metals in infant food to establish the concentrations of 12 metals in a representative range of commercial infant foods and formulae. The Committee was invited to comment on the methods used to estimate the intakes and on the results of this survey.
COT statement on arsenic in food: results of the 1999 total diet study
The Food Standards Agency has recently completed a Total Diet Study (TDS) of total and inorganic arsenic levels in food, which was carried out between 1999 and 2002. The Committee was asked to comment on the survey and assess if the levels of arsenic in the diet posed a risk to human health.
Statement on a survey of mercury in fish and shellfish
The COT was asked to assess the risks posed by the consumption of methylmercury in fish, taking into account possible high-risk groups.
COT statements 2002
COT statement on a research project investigating the effect of food additives on behaviour
The COT were asked by the Food Standards Agency to review the results of a study investigating the effects of particular food additives on the behaviour of pre-school children and to advise on the significance of the study for public health.
COT statement on the review of toxicology literature on the use of topical insect repellent diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) - November 2002
The COT were asked by the Department of Health to review the available toxicology data on the insect repellent diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET).
COT statement on phenol: tolerable daily intake (oral) - October 2002
To help derive a Soil Guideline Value (SGV) for phenol, the COT were asked to recommend an appropriate No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for oral exposure to phenol.
Joint COT/COM/COC statement on a Symposium on the use of Genomics and Proteomics in Toxicology
Joint statement on a Symposium held by the Committees on Toxicity, Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products, on the use of Genomics and Proteomics in Toxicological risk assessment.
COT statement on the use of PAVA (Nonivamide) as an incapacitant spray (April 2002)
The Committee considered the use of PAVA (Nonivamide) as an incapacitant spray.
COT statement on a further toxicity study in the rat of a hydrogel filler for breast implants - March 2002
Further toxicity study in the rat of a hydrogel filler for breast implants following statement of 2000.
COT statements 2001
COT statement on ASP
COT Statement on amnesic shelfish poisoning and review of whether existing limits for domoic acid concentration are sufficient.
COT statement on the tolerable daily intake for dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls
COT statement, 'lay' summary and background paper available in pdf form.
COT statement on the reproductive effects of caffeine
A number of human epidemiological studies, reporting increased risks of adverse reproductive effects with caffeine consumption during pregnancy, have been published since this Committee last considered the safety of caffeine in 1984.
COT statement on a study of bisphenols in canned foods - April 2001
We have been asked to comment on the health implications of the results of a survey conducted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to establish whether migration of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol F (BPF) occurs from can coatings into retail samples of canned foods in the UK.
COT statement on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - interim pragmatic guideline limits for use in emergencies - March 2001
The Committee was informed that the Food Standards Agency may be asked for advice on the risks to public health arising from the contamination of foodstuffs with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
COT statement on a study by the Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) on health outcomes in populations living around landfill sites - August 2001
COT statement on a study by the Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) on health outcomes in populations living around landfill sites and its results.
COT statements 2000
Terephthalic And Isophthalic Acids From Can Coatings (September 2000)
The views of the Committee were sought on the health implications of the results of a survey of terephthalic acid (TA) and isophthalic acid (IA) migration from can coatings into food. In particular the Committee was asked to give its views on the possibility that these compounds might have endocrine disruptor activity.
COT statement on a toxicity study in the rat of a hydrogel filler for breast implants - September 2000
The Medical Devices Agency (MDA) had decided to review the safety data on a hydrogel pre-filled breast implant manufactured for Poly Implant Prostheses. The MDA had asked the Committee to consider the report of a study in the rat in which the animals had received subcutaneous injections of the filler material.
Dietary exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (August 2000)
We have been informed of the results of a study conducted by the former Joint Food Safety and Standards Group of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Health.
The 1997 Total Diet Study - Fluorine, Bromine, and Iodine (July 2000)
We have been informed of the results of a study conducted by the Food Standards Agency in which Total Diet Study (TDS) samples collected in 1997 were analysed for the presence of three halogen elements, namely fluorine, bromine, and iodine.
Statement on dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in free-range eggs (June 2000)
We have been informed of the results of a study conducted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in which free-range hen and duck eggs were analysed for the presence of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), collectively referred to as dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).¹
COT statement on Hexachlorobutadiene (June 2000)
The fully chlorinated hydrocarbon hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD, C4Cl6) is formed as a by-product during the manufacture of chlorinated solvents. In view of public health concerns, the Committee has been asked by the Department of Health to provide advice on the toxicity of HCBD.
Statement on iodine in cows' milk (Jan 2000)
The COT was asked to advise on the results of a survey carried out for the Joint Food Safety & Standards Group in 1998/1999.
Statement on studies of potatoes genetically modified to produce Galanthus nivalis lectin (Feb 2000)
The COT was asked to advise the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) on the toxicological aspects of studies carried out at the Rowett Research Institute.
COT statement on a consideration of toxicological data for some structured triglycerides composed of mixtures of short and long chain fatty acids
The COT was asked by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Health to consider data submitted on the toxicology of a family of structured triglycerides (Salatrims) intended for use as low calorie fats.
COT statement on the results of a survey for Sterigmatocystin in foodstuffs (February 2000)
The COT considered data on the results of a survey for sterigmatocystin in cheese, cereals and maize-based retail foods.
COT statement on the results of a multi-element survey of fungi and blackberries (January 2000)
The COT considered the results of a Joint Food Safety & Standards Group survey on the concentrations of twelve elements (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, tin, titanium and zinc) in wild edible fungi and blackberries.
COT statements 1999
COT statement on supplements containing french maritime pine bark extracts
The COT was asked to consider a submission seeking food safety clearance of an extract derived from the bark of the pine tree (Pinus pinaster).
COT statement for the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes on toxicological aspects of a submission on Salatrims
The COT was asked for further advice on the additional information and analysis included in the submission on Salatrims – a family of low calorie fats – to meet the concerns previously identified.
COT statement on studies of potatoes genetically modified to produce Galanthus nivalis lectin (May 1999)
The COT was asked to provide advice to the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes on the toxicological aspects of certain studies that had been carried out at the Rowett Research Institute.
COT/COM/COC statement on 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile and CS spray
The advice of the COT, COM and COC on health effects resulting from the use of CS spray as a chemical incapacitant, was sought by the Department of Health, with the support of the Home Office.
COT statement on surveillance for malachite green and leucomalachite green in farmed fish
The COT was asked by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to consider the results of surveillance for residues of malachite green (MG), a compound used for the treatment of infections in farmed fish, found in retail trout purchased in the United Kingdom during the years 1996-1998.
COT statement on chlorinated drinking water and reproductive outcomes
At the request of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the COT was asked to consider the evidence linking the consumption of chlorinated tapwater and adverse reproductive outcomes.
COT statement on the results of a survey for PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in Marine Fish and Fish Products
The COT considered data on the results of a survey on the concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in Marine Fish and Fish Products.
COT statement on nitrate metabolism in man
The COT has considered a report on the results of research into the human metabolism of nitrate in the form of ionic salts or incorporated into lettuce.
COT statements 1998
COT statement on preliminary observations on the US NAS report on a tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6
The COT was asked to give an initial consideration to the methods used and the recommendations for a tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6 in a United States National Academy of Sciences' report in order to inform the Chairman of the COT in advance of his appearance before the House of Commons Select Committee on Agriculture Inquiry into vitamin B6.
COT statement on surveillance for the mycotoxin moniliformin
The COT considered data on the toxicology of moniliformin and the results of a survey for moniliformin in commercial maize and in retail maize-based foods.
COT statement on surveillance for the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin
The COT were informed of the results of a surveillance exercise in which food samples collected between May 1997 and March 1998 were analysed for the presence of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin.
COT statement on the results of multielement surveys
The COT considered data on the toxicology of antimony, barium, bismuth, germanium, gold, indium, iridium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, strontium and thallium.
COT statements 1997
COT statement for the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes on Salatrims
The COT was asked to comment on specific aspects of a large submission of data received by the ACNFP in respect of short and long term chain triacyl glycerol molecules (Salatrims), a family of low calorie fat products.
COT statement on bisphenol A (August 1997)
The COT was asked to advise on the health implications of a study (Nagel SC, vom Saal FS, Thayer RA, Dhar MG, Boechler M and Welshons WV (1997) Environ. Health Perspect., 105:70-76) carried out at the University of Missouri on bisphenol A, a chemical substance used in polycarbonate plastics (eg baby feeding bottles) and coatings for the inside of some food cans.
COT statement on bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) in canned foods (August 1997)
The COT was asked to advise on the results of a Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food survey on the migration of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) into canned foods.
COT statement on iodine in cows' milk (September 1997)
The COT was asked to advise on the public health implications of the levels of iodine measured in cows' milk during the course of a survey carried out for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food during 1995/1996.
COT statement on ochratoxin A on dried vine fruits
The COT has been asked to advise the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group of the Department of Health and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the significance for public health of concentrations of the mycotoxin, ochratoxin A, found in samples of various foodstuffs purchased in the United Kingdom during 1997.
COT statement on tetrachloroethylene and the reproductive health of workers in the dry-cleaning industry (November 1997)
The COT was asked to advise the Health and Safety Executive on the implications of an epidemiological study in the dry-cleaning industry. The study had investigated the potential risks of reproductive and developmental toxicity arising from exposure to tetrachloroethylene in dry-cleaning establishments.
COT statement on the health hazards of polychlorinated biphenyls (April 1997)
The COT was asked to review the toxicity of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). It was also asked to comment on the concentrations of these, with polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs and PCDFs), that had been found in the UK diet and in human breast milk in the course of surveillance exercises carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
COT statement on the toxicity of dental amalgam
The COT was asked to advise the Medical Devices Agency on the toxicity of dental amalgam in the context of informing the United Kingdom's response to the report of an ad hoc group of experts established by the European Commission.
COT statement on vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) toxicity (June 1997)
The COT was asked to advise on the safety of Vitamin B6, following concerns expressed about the potential toxicity of high dose dietary supplements.
COT statements 1996
COT statement on phthalates in infant formulae
The COT was provided with details of the recently completed MAFF surveillance work on phthalates in food and infant formulae.
COT statement on phytoestrogens
The COT was asked to advise on the intake of phytoestrogens in specific population groups.
COT statement on the safety-in-use of chlorine and chlorine dioxide as flour treatment agents
The COT was asked to consider the safety-in-use of chlorine and chlorine dioxide as flour treatment agents.