Day 016 - 22 Jul 94 - Page 58


     
     1        A.  As something which is toxic.
 
     2   Q.   Salt occurs in the body but that can be toxic if we have
              too much?
     3        A.  The level of sodium -----
 
     4   Q.   Sodium, sorry, yes?
              A. --- that occurs in the body, yes, but the amount that
     5        we might take in could be very, very much higher than
              -----
     6
         Q.   But it is simplistic to say that because something occurs
     7        in the body, we do not need to be concerned about eating
              it, full stop?
     8        A.  OK.  I understand what you are saying and, clearly,
              the level that would be allowed would have to be related
     9        to the level that would normally occur in the body.
              Obviously, if it is likely that the amount which is
    10        introduced in the form of an additive would be much higher
              than would normally be present in the body, then, sure, we
    11        must be worried.
 
    12   Q.   Or would raise the amount normally present in the body?
              A.  Well, presumably, if you were to feed large amounts
    13        that could not readily be excreted, I mean.
 
    14   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Can I understand what you are batting for,
              Ms. Steel?  Are you saying none should be added at all?
    15
         MS. STEEL:  Our general point is that where there are concerns
    16        about the safety of something, the benefit of the doubt
              should be given to the consumer rather than carrying on
    17        using something in a product.
 
    18   MR. RAMPTON:  Can I ask by whom the concern is harboured?  If
              it is merely a member of the public who has read an
    19        alarmist press article, it may not matter very much.  If,
              on the other hand, it is a respectable body of scientific
    20        opinion, then it may matter.
 
    21   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Let us look at monosodium glutamate because,
              you are going through each of these items individually.
    22        What I would like to know is whether you are suggesting
              none should be added at all or, if you are not suggesting
    23        that, whether there is some limit you are suggesting.  In
              so far as you say, if there has been concern, what concern
    24        are you suggesting there is, because people can be
              concerned about all sorts of things.  Then you have to
    25        look to see whether they have good reason for it or not.
  
    26   MS. STEEL:  Mr. Rampton's example was pretty ridiculous. 
  
    27   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Just listen to my question.  That is why
              I asked you what you are batting for so far as monosodium
    28        glutamate is concerned.
 
    29   MS. STEEL:  That there is concern about it; not just concern
              from one person, there is concern from -----
    30
         MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Concern about adding it at all?

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