Vegans 'put child's life at risk'

A couple who fed their premature daughter a strict vegetarian, dairy-free diet are on trial in New York, accused of endangering her life. The case is seen as a test case for parents who put their children on non-conventional diets.

Joseph and Silva Swinton, both 32, from Queens, New York, are technically charged with assault, although it is not alleged that they intended to harm their daughter, Lice. She weighed only 3lb (1.4kg) at birth and her parents fed her on organic produce and vitamins.

When she was 15 months old, an anonymous call led to an examination of the child, who was found to be near death and was taken into care. A second child, a son, has also since been taken into care.

The prosecution alleges that Ms Silva did not breast feed Lice or give her a baby formula but instead imposed a diet of fruit juice, ground nuts and pureed vegetables. It is alleged that the couple ignored obvious signs of illness and did not seek medical help. Lice was found to be suffering from rickets and malnourishment and weighed only 10lb (4.5kg) at the age of 15 months.

The defence, which opened its case yesterday, will argue that the child was not in imminent danger and that the Silvas were caring parents who do not deserve punishment.