§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they failed to undertake any consultations with international experts in nutrition prior to making the decision to restrict the retail sale of Vitamin B6; and whether they will now make it their policy to ask the Committee on Toxicity to consult such experts.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Donoughue)The Government's decision to restrict the level of Vitamin B6 in dietary supplements sold under food law was based in part on advice from the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Product and the Environment (COT). Members of the COT include internationally recognised experts in a range of disciplines, including nutrition.
In considering the safety of Vitamin B6, the COT took account of the nutritional requirements for this vitamin that had been established by the Committee on 66WA Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) as part of its review of food energy and nutrient requirements of groups of people in the United Kingdom. Those carrying out this review included a number of nutritionists of international standing. International experts representing the EU Scientific Committee for Food and other experts from the European Community acted as observers.
The Government have no plans to seek further advice on the safety of Vitamin B6.