§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has on research regarding(a) the ability of babies to absorb aluminium that is ingested, (b) the amount of aluminium that a baby's normal diet is likely to provide and, (c) the level of aluminium in water and in baby milk that is safe for babies; who conducted the research in each case; and what were the conclusions.
§ Mr. RyderThere is no information at present on the extent to which babies are able to absorb ingested aluminium. However, it is known that the greater part of aluminium ingested by adults is excreted. A survey of aluminium in infant milks has recently been carried out by this Ministry. Estimates of aluminium intakes by infants up to age four months show that potential intakes from 807W infant milks are well within the internationally agreed acceptable level specified by the joint FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives.