§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of(a) junk food and (b) additives in food on (i) ADD and (ii) ADHD; and if he will make a statement. [99679]
§ Ms BlearsIndependent evidence suggests that some foods and their ingredients can affect certain aspects of children's behaviour. While eliminating some foods may thus be helpful, a dietary approach to the treatment of children with the more severe form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been found to be of limited value.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) considers that more definitive information is needed on the relationship between additives and the behavioural effects on children. The FSA is currently seeking advice on undertaking further research in this area.