HC Deb 06 July 1999 vol 334 c503W
Jackie Ballard

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to restrict the use of aspartame in products aimed at children. [89158]

Mr. Rooker

Aspartame has been thoroughly assessed for safety by a number of scientific bodies world-wide including the UK's Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment and the EC Scientific Committee for Food, and an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) set. EC sweeteners legislation limits the use of this sweetener to specific food categories and to certain maximum levels of use in order to ensure that consumers, including children, do not regularly exceed the ADI. This legislation also prohibits the use of aspartame and other sweeteners in foods specifically designed for infants and young children. The Government have no plans at this time to seek further restrictions on the use of this sweetener.

Jackie Ballard

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the World Health Organisation concerning the recommended daily intake for aspartame; and what plans he has to amend this level. [89157]

Mr. Rooker

Aspartame has only been permitted for use in food after careful evaluation by independent expert committees in the UK, EU and internationally, including the World Health Organisation committee which deals with food additives. All of these committees have concluded that aspartame is safe for use in food and have set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for this sweetener of 40 mg/kg body weight. The Government currently have no plans to seek an amendment to this level.