HC Deb 19 December 1988 vol 144 cc130-1W
Sir Hal Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the results of the outbreaks of salmonella that have been confirmed by him as being attributable to eggs.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Over 1,000 people suffered salmonella food poisoning in the 49 reported outbreaks of salmonellosis associated with the consumption of eggs.

Sir Hal Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many outbreaks of salmonella attributed by him to eggs could be attributed to the following factors(a) unhygienic food preparation in kitchens, (b) inadequate care in storage and transportation and (c) bad stockmanship on farms.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We have no evidence available which attributes outbreaks of salmonella from eggs to these factors.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the infection of turkeys, chickens and eggs with salmonella first came to the attention of his Department.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Throughout the post-war years, reports on food poisoning and salmonella infection in England and Wales have indicated that poultry has been a significant source of this infection in humans.