Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to promote organic foods with the aim of reducing potential health effects such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Organic food production is based on low input, sustainable systems which provide environmental benefits. The Government’s view is that there is no firm evidence to support claims of consistent differences in the nutrient content of organic food, compared to conventional, or to confirm beneficial health effects associated with their consumption.

For the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, the Government encourages individuals to adopt a healthy balanced diet, as represented in the Eatwell Guide. This means increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, oily fish and fibre, and reducing the consumption of energy (calories), saturated fat, salt and sugar. A copy of the Eatwell Guide is attached.