§ Chris Grayling:To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been undertaken into the health effects on infants of pre-gelatinised starch in babyfood. [130119]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson:Neither the Department nor the Food Standards Agency has undertaken any such research. Pre-gelatinised starch is included in the list of permitted sources of carbohydrate under the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations 1995.
§ Chris Grayling:To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will press the Chancellor to introduce taxation on foods which are detrimental to healthy living. [130160]
§ John Healey:I have been asked to reply.
Tax is a matter for the Budget. Most food is zero-rated for VAT, and we remain committed to our manifesto to pledge not to extend VAT to food. Some foods which might be considered detrimental to healthy living are already liable to VAT at the standard rate of 17.5 per cent. These include ice cream, most confectionary, chocolate biscuits, crisps, soft drinks and all hot foods sold by take-away outlets.