Day 016 - 22 Jul 94 - Page 46
1 if, for example, quite a few countries had banned a
particular additive?
2
MR. JUSTICE BELL: What is the point you are making here?
3
MS. STEEL: I am just saying this is a bit of a sweeping
4 statement really. That is all. As it is in Professor
Wheelock's statement, I just felt we ought to clarify
5 exactly what is being said.
6 MR. JUSTICE BELL: You do not have to pick up everything which
you might want to challenge or check on.
7
MS. STEEL: I am not by a long chalk, if that is any help.
8 I am just trying to pick out the more important parts.
9 MR. JUSTICE BELL: I was just looking at my own summary of what
you said in your pleas of justification in relation to
10 this. In very summary form, you have alleged that there
are set formulae and specifications; there are chemical
11 and other additives to ensure that the food looks and
tastes the same. You say it is detailed in McDonald's
12 "Food - the Facts".
13 There are 43 instances listed; you say a number are
believed to have a number of undesirable side effects,
14 some of them are listed by the hyperactive children's
support group as unsuitable for such children; you set out
15 various E numbers and a couple at the end which are not E
numbers; you also say that lettuce leaves have been
16 treated so they might be plastic. That is what you set
out in relation to additives.
17
MS. STEEL: Yes.
18
MR. JUSTICE BELL: In so far as this witness has said anything
19 which gainsays that, you ought to be having a go at him,
but that if he may have made general statements which
20 really do not bear on your allegations, you can let them
pass without it doing you any harm.
21
MS. STEEL: I felt that this was relevant to undesirable side
22 effects, really.
23 MR. JUSTICE BELL: Yes.
24 MR. MORRIS: On that last point, when you say: "... regulatory
agencies had to be convinced that the substance was
25 harmless ... or it would not be permitted", is it not a
fact that it is the opposite; that somebody has to
26 convince the regulatory agencies that something is harmful
before it is not permitted?
27 A. Well, first of all, let me make it clear that -- again
I am quoting here; this is from ---
28
Q. What is your view?
29 A. -- a person who used to work for the FDA. Sorry,
repeat the question?
30
Q. What is your advice to the McDonald's Corporation about
