HC Deb 26 June 1925 vol 185 cc1894-5W
Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of any increase in the number of deaths from ptomaine poisoning, following the eating of tinned foods; and whether the recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee of Inquiry on Impure Foods are to be carried into effect?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The number of deaths reported as due to ptomaine poisoning during the five years 1920 to 1924 was 32, 48, 22, 21 and 16, respectively. It is not possible to state in how many of these cases the poisoning was due to the eating of tinned foods, but the numbers can only be a small fraction of the totals already given. A draft of Regulations to give effect to the principal recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Preservatives and Colour- ing Matters in Foods has been published, and I am now considering the form in which the Regulations shall be finally made.

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