§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of recent reports that sesame seed and oil in foods intended for young children can produce serious anaphylactic attacks; and what discussions his Department has had with Nestle on the matter. [103363]
§ Ms QuinIt has been known for some time that sesame seeds can produce potentially severe reactions in individuals who have a pre-existing sesame allergy. Sesame oil could in theory also produce reactions depending on how much of the allergenic sesame protein is present.
It would seem sensible to advise that certain infants should avoid sesame seeds and food containing sesame, in case the consumption of sesame increases the risk of the infant developing sesame allergy. This advice is by analogy with the Committee on Toxicity's (COT) advice on peanuts. In its report on Peanut Allergy, the COT advised that during weaning, and until at least three years of age, the diets of infants with a parent or sibling with atopic disease (i.e. liable to develop allergic conditions) should not include peanuts and foods containing peanuts. This is because these foods may increase the risk of sensitisation and should be avoided. Further expert advice is being sought on this and the situation will be kept under review in the light of developing knowledge.
There have been no discussions with Nestle on this specific issue.