Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 October 2006. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Pregnancy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies her Department has carried out into the health effects of caffeine on the development of unborn babies; what advice her Department has issued to pregnant women about avoiding caffeine during pregnancy; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: In 2001 the Food Standards Agency asked the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) to review the effects of caffeine on the development of unborn babies. Based on the Committee’s opinion the Food Standards Agency advises that pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to the equivalent of no more than four average cups of coffee a day (a total of 300 mg caffeine/day from all sources).The Food Standards Agency has also commissioned further research addressing the health effects of caffeine during pregnancy. This project is due to report in summer 2007.

Secondary information