The controversy has again raised the question of Government secrecy in health matters. Critics complain that MAFF is concerned more with protecting the markets of food producers than safeguarding the interests of consumers. As with the BSE crisis in beef, the lack of a separate food safety department has highlighted MAFF's divided loyalties. Despite this criticism and the concerns of thousands of mothers who are reliant on powdered babymilk, the UK Government has decided to suppress the report. Ministers have repeatedly stressed that all babymilk is safe, while simultaneously refusing to release the information which would prove this to be the case.
Some information is known.
Fifteen brands are contaminated with phthalates. There has been no confirmation as to whether any brands are actually free of phthalates. McSpotlight will continue to make available any further information we can on food safety. We feel that the interests of the public are best served by allowing people to make their own informed decisions.