§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the approved levels of oestrogen and phytoestrogen in food and drinks given to babies and toddlers. [29990]
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§ Mrs. BrowningThere are no United Kingdom advisory limits or regulations controlling levels of phytoestrogens in foods specially prepared for infants and toddlers.
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research has been(a) started and (b) completed on phytoestrogen in soya milk following the 1992 recommendations of the Committee of Toxicity on Foodstuffs. [29993]
§ Mrs. BrowningTwo MAFF-funded studies are currently in progress. These studies include an analysis of soya milk and infant formula. In addition, a surveillance project measuring levels of oestrogens in the diets of infants, toddlers and young children will start shortly. None of these projects has been completed.
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what levels of oestrogen or phytoestrogen are normally found in soya-based cooking oil and spread. [29997]
§ Mrs. BrowningInformation available to the Ministry indicates that phytoestrogens are not present in soya-based cooking oil and spread.
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what monitoring his Department undertakes on the levels of oestrogenic chemicals in food; and what is the budget and total full-time staff for this study. [30541]
§ Mrs. BrowningSeveral chemicals claimed to have oestrogenic properties are included in MAFF's food chemical surveillance programme. It is not possible to separate out the costs and staff allocated to this group of chemicals.