Major Braithwaiteasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain millers are introducing calcium into the flour they manufacture for human consumption; whether medical evidence shows if this practice is conducive to the good health of the public; what percentages are used; and whether his Department was consulted before this practice commenced?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware that calcium in small quantities is introduced into flour in the form of acid calcium phosphate to improve its baking qualities and also as a self-raising ingredient. I have no evidence that its use is detrimental to health. 629W The Departmental Committee on the treatment of flour with chemical substances reported in 1927 that the use of this substance had then been a regular practice for nearly 20 years, and that after consideration of all the available evidence they could not recommend its elimination.