Written question asked by Diane Abbott (Labour) on Thursday, 27 October 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 October 2011. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 November 2011 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Nutrition

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 18 October 2011, Official Report, columns 837-38W, on nutrition, whether the evidence underpinning the responsibility deal will be peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Answer: In developing pledges for the responsibility deal the networks consider the available evidence.For example, the pledges launched in March 2011 on the removal of trans fats and on salt reduction draw on the evidence which shows a link between high intakes of trans fats and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Furthermore, the evidence shows a link between high levels of salt intake and increased risk of high blood pressure, which, in turn, significantly increases the chances of having heart disease or a stroke.The deal also includes a number of pledges where the evidence is more limited. However, we do not believe that a limited evidence base is a reason not to proceed with pledges that have the potential to benefit public health.The Department's Research and Development Directorate is commissioning an independent evaluation of the impact of some elements of the responsibility deal. A team of researchers, commissioned by the Department, are currently assessing evaluation options and in due course will recommend approaches likely to deliver robust findings.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 77958; 534 c746W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Nutrition
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Nutrition
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk