asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports that some baby foods could be dangerous to children unless these foods are expertly prepared; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Baby Foods.
3.
I have seen reports referring to possible dangers to infants which might arise from the use of certain types of milk-based foods to which I presume the Deputy is referring. I have asked the Food Advisory Committee to look into this matter urgently and I would prefer to await their report before making any further comment other than to say that it is very important that persons feeding infants should follow strictly directions on the preparation of the feed and the quantity fed to the child. Where a mother can breast-feed, she should, of course, do so.
Surely the State should ensure that the language used in the directions is simple and not, in any way, ambiguous. Can the Minister say when he expects the report to be available?
As I have said, I have asked the Food Advisory Committee to examine this problem urgently. I have stressed the question of urgency during the past week.
Will it be available within a month or so?
I cannot say.
In view of the scientific evidence available, evidence on which the Ministry of Health in Britain acted, would it not be possible to issue directives to the health boards —the people who are most at fault in this situation—telling them to cease making available such powdered milk? If this could be done now, we could allow for normal delay in an examination of the situation by the Food Advisory Committee.
I can only say to the Deputy that a recent check with Dublin maternity hospitals showed that those which had been using the products in question had changed to the modified product.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that 10 days ago I ascertained by way of telephone call to the day centre of the Eastern Health Board that they were using almost exclusively this unmodified product?
I can only give the Deputy the up-to-date information I have here.