Salmonella (Hansard, 18 January 1988)

§ Mr. MacGregor

Since the summer of 1988 we have been preparing and adopting a series of measures designed to tackle the salmonella problem at each point along the chain from poultry feedingstuffs, through the breeding flocks and hatcheries to the laying houses, and then on into the home. I am now proposing a number of further measures to reinforce the action already taken.

To minimise the risk of salmonella in poultry feedingstuffs, my Department has doubled the rate of inspections in protein processing plants so that samples are now taken annually from 20 days production from each plant instead of 10 days production as previously. I propose shortly to bring in new statutory provisions requiring protein processors to take samples from each day's production, to have them tested at MAFF-lisled laboratories, and to notify MAFF immediately of positive results. I also propose to take powers to stop the supply of products from processing plants where salmonella is found, until action has been taken to ensure that uncontaminated products are being produced.

New arrangements for imported animal protein are currently being introduced. These will involve a graded series of controls reflecting our previous experience of contamination levels in material from particular sources.

To minimise the risk of infection through breeding stock, two codes of practice have been introduced for poultry breeders and hatcheries. I propose to introduce secondary legislation requiring the registration of breeding flocks and hatcheries, requiring breeders to arrange regular bacteriological monitoring of their birds and of he hatcheries, and requiring breeders to supply MAFF with veterinary certificates setting out the results of that monitoring. This legislation will also enable Ministry officers to restrict sales of poultry and hatching eggs when invasive salmonellae are found.

For commercial laying flocks, similarly, a code of practice has been introduced. I propose now to introduce a requirement on operators to carry out regular 215W bacteriological monitoring, together with strengthened statutory requirements about the control of rodents, with provision for compulsory cleansing and disinfection and requirements for the hygienic handling of eggs.

In order to underline the importance of hygienic handling of food in the home, a major education campaign will be launched early this year. This campaign is designed to reduce the incidence of food poisoning generally. Salmonella is an international problem, so I have also been consulting colleagues in Europe and the United States.

I believe that this range of measures amounts to one of the most comprehensive programmes for dealing with salmonella in any country in the world.