Baby Milk Powder: Cereulide

Lord Winston Excerpts

Wednesday 4th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I am certainly convinced that more than a decent job has been done on this occasion. I know that the FSA, along with the department and the UK Health Security Agency, have, as was said to me, been working non-stop since the incident was notified, and I am genuinely reassured by that. What I would say is that alternatives are available, there is no problem with the supply of alternatives and if anybody—grandmothers, mothers, parents, friends, or whoever—has concerns, they should check the NHS website and the FSA website and, if they remain concerned, they should seek guidance from a medical professional. There are people who are potentially affected, but, as I said, this is a live incident and it is being monitored.

[Lord Winston (Lab)]

My Lords, I have in the past given notice to the Minister about this, with regard not to milk but to other issues: for example, where small humans, such as embryos or babies, come in contact with fluids or chemicals that might be dangerous. It is not only milk that may need better observation. Does she agree that we should look rather carefully at how we regulate the fluids used for culture of human tissues, in particular embryos, where there may be some risks of not getting better results, or possibly even of danger to the embryo?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

Safety is paramount, whether we are talking about embryos, adults or children. I would be pleased to hear from my noble friend if there are particular areas on which he would like to be reassured, or at least responded to. But I hope that, in respect of food safety, in this situation, your Lordships’ House will see that all actions have been taken by the relevant authorities, with speed and in line with the laws available.