Crohn's Disease

HC Deb 02 February 2000 vol 343 cc627-8W

Mr. Martlew

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has evaluated on the alleged connection between Crohn's disease and the drinking of unpasteurised milk. [107356]

Mr. Denham

We are not aware of any specific evidence on the alleged connection between Crohn's disease and the consumption of unpasteurised milk. The Department has examined the alleged link between Crohn's disease and mico para tuberculosis, which can occur in milk.

The Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens considered the evidence for and against such a link in 1992 and 1998. In reviewing the more recent evidence in 1998 the Committee concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to revise its earlier opinion that a link was not proven.