§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
What powers the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has to investigate animals potentially infected with E.coli; and, if there are none, whether they intend to amend the Zoonoses Order to include E.coli 0157. [HL2656]
§ Lord DonoughueIn circumstances where there is suspicion ofE.coli 0157 in food, powers already exist in the Food Safety Act 1990 not only to investigate the food business concerned but also to trace back to collect evidence of its presence on farm whether in the animals or elsewhere.
In practice, the farming community generally co-operate fully with staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food where on-farm investigations are needed. However, the Government will amend the Zoonoses Order 1989 to include E.coli 0157, or any other zoonotic organism, should it become necessary.