§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what resources the NHS is allocating for research into the link between food additives and behavioural deficits in children. [127720]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThere are currently no national health service studies on this subject. However, last year the Food Standards Agency (FSA) set up an ad hoc, multi-stakeholder working group to advise on the feasibility of conducting research on a possible relationship between exposure to certain food additives and behavioural effects in children; and to advise on the most suitable experimental strategies. In the light of this advice the FSA advertised for suitable research proposals. Following appraisal, successful proposals are likely to be commissioned early next year.