Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Reclassification of the Committee on Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment

15 October 2025 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Ashley Dalton Lab West Lancashire

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Committee on Mutagenicity (COM) is being reclassified from an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body to a Departmental Expert Committee.
  • The Cabinet Office initiated a review of Arm's Length Bodies, leading to the reclassification of COM.
  • The change aims to ensure continuity in COM's operations and expert advice without disruption.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the reclassification of the Committee on Mutagenicity (COM) from an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body to a Departmental Expert Committee.

Action requested

The Cabinet Office has reviewed Arm's Length Bodies and as part of this review, COM will be reclassified. This change aims to maintain continuity in COM’s operations and expert advice without any disruption.

Key facts

  • COM is an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
  • COM members serve on a voluntary basis.
  • COM provides independent expert advice on health risks from mutagenic compounds in consumer products.
  • The Cabinet Office reviewed Arm’s Length Bodies earlier this year as part of the Plan for Change.
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