HC Deb 03 March 1958 vol 583 cc823-4
8. Sir R. Grimston

asked the Minister of Health what action he recommends local authorities to take when samples of ice cream give repeatedly low grade results when tested with methylene blue.

Mr. R. Thompson

Such results are regarded as indicating defects of manufacture or handling which call for further investigation, and this would depend on the circumstances in the individual case.

Sir R. Grimston

Supposing that that further investigation shows equally bad results? What does the local authority do then?

Mr. Thompson

My hon. Friend wrote to my predecessor last August about the sampling of a particular manufacturer's ice cream which was showing poor results. Our latest figures show that in November and December, 1957, all samples taken in the Trowbridge area satisfied the methylene blue test.

Mr. T. Williams

Did they also satisfy the test that a certain minimum percentage of cream should be contained in the ice cream?

Mr. Thompson

No, Sir, for this test relates to bacterial cleanliness.