§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the risk to health arising from pregnant women eating nuts; and what the estimated incidence is of health problems from this cause. [49630]
§ Ms JowellThe Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) report on peanut allergy was published by the Department on 17 July 1998. The report notes that the prevalence of peanut allergy, which is potentially life-threatening, appears to be increasing and that sensitisation of an infant to peanuts might result from the consumption of peanuts by pregnant or breast-feeding mothers. This risk is greatest in those with a family history of allergic disease. For those people COT recommends that avoidance of peanuts is a sensible, precautionary measure. COT also recommended further research to address the scientific uncertainties. Copies of the report are available in the Library.
Reliable data are not available to estimate the incidence of health problems resulting from pregnant women eating nuts.