HC Deb 04 December 1986 vol 106 c1073
10. Mrs. Roe

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce new regulations on the use of additives in baby foods.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The use of additives in foods, including those specially prepared for babies and young children, is already controlled by the Food Act and regulations made under it. As part of its continual review programme the Food Advisory Committee is currently reviewing the use of additives in baby foods. When completed, the committee's report will be published.

Mrs. Roe

Does my hon. Friend recognise the considerable work being done by food retailers and the children's hospital at Great Ormond street in identifying additives with harmful effects? Does he agree that certain additives are essential for public safety to prevent risk from contaminated food?

Mr. Thompson

We believe that at present there are no additives with harmful effects, but we continually review them. I agree with my hon. Friend that the Great Ormond street hospital and retailers do a great deal to monitor what they sell and what is produced.

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