Written question asked by Damian Green (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to include goats milk in the infant token scheme.

Answer: Mr. Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to include goats milk in the infant token scheme. [203016] Miss Melanie Johnson: Expert advice from the committee on medical aspects of food policy is that goats' milk, like cows' milk, is low in iron, vitamins A and D and is also low in folic acid compared to human and cows' milk. Goats' milk is often perceived as being less allergenic than cows' milk, or else providing additional nourishment, although these claims have not been substantiated. Infant formulas and follow-on formulas based on goats' milk have not been approved for use in Europe and are not recommended by the Department. Goats' milk may be given from the age of one year, so long as precautions against vitamin and mineral deficiencies are taken and due regard is paid to microbiological safety. It is for these reasons that goats' milk is--excluded from the Welfare Food Scheme. Where a child has a diagnosed intolerance to cows' milk, a doctor may prescribe a suitable alternative. Prescriptions are, of course, free for children and those in receipt of income support.

Secondary information