§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research his Department has sponsored as to whether the estrogenic dose from soy baby foods is in the range known to cause thyroid abnormalities; and if he will make a statement; [118340]
(2) if he will estimate by age the number of people in the UK, and the proportion of the population which this represents of their age group, who are thought to be at risk of thyroid disease; and what correlation these figures have with the consumption levels of these age groups of soy baby food products. [118342]
§ Ms StuartThyroid dysfunction is common and it is thought that up to 5 per cent. of the population are affected by hyper- or hypo-thyroidism. There is no central statistical information to answer the question with regard to incidence or risk of thyroid disease.
Following the 1996 advice of the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), a large programme of research was sponsored to specifically determine if soy infant formula carries any risk for infants. The Food Standards Agency is now responsible for this research.
69WThe COT has set up a working group to review the available scientific evidence, including data on thyroid abnormalities, to determine if there are health implications associated with soy infant formula. The group will publish a report early next year. On the basis of this report, the FSA will consider whether any action needs to be taken.