Hence there would be difficulties in evaluating the significance of positive results. Members concluded that the new data did not affect the advice given in the COM Guidance document regarding the in-vivo Comet assay which should be regarded as a secondary test for use in specific situations not as a primary screen for mutagenic activity. The minutes and conclusions on the discussion on dichlorvos will be published when the ACP has completed its review on this compound. The minutes and conclusions on the discussion on dimethoate will be published when the ACP has completed its review on this compound. These closely related compounds are structurally similar to 3-MCPD considered by COM at its previous meeting.
Exposures can also occur from certain foodstuffs.
The Committee considered the limited mutagenicity data available on both compounds. Members suggested that a survey of the levels of this group of compounds in food would be useful. In the first instance this should be in the in-vivo bone marrow micronucleus assay. Members were asked to consider the report by Sir Robert May on the review of risk procedures used by the Government's advisory committees dealing with food safety. The Chairman had drafted an initial response for COM which were outlined in Annex 4. 24.