Sodium Nitrite: Misuse
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to tackle the (a) supply and (b) use of sodium nitrite.
Answered by Dame Diana Johnson
Certain chemicals can be used in the illicit manufacture of explosives or to cause harm. These are called explosives precursors and poisons.
The Poisons Act 1972 sets out the legal obligations in relation to the sale, purchase, and use of these chemicals for suppliers, professional users, and members of the public.
Sodium nitrite is a reportable poison listed in Part 4 of Schedule 1A of the Poisons Act 1972; this means it is lawful to sell this substance in Great Britain without further controls, however suppliers have a legal obligation to report any suspicious transactions.
The Home Office work with retailers to raise awareness and emphasise their legal obligation to report suspicious activity for regulated and reportable substances.
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