HC Deb 24 February 1989 vol 147 cc820-1W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health why the Department of Health's 1980 review of guidelines on pre-cooked chilled foods has not yet been published; when it is due to be published; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

My Department has obtained further expert advice to ensure that the revised guidelines, when issued, will be as up to date and effective as possible. We intend publishing the guidelines as soon as this advice has been fully considered.

Mrs. Wise

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether guidelines have been issued to environmental health officers as to whether the refrigerated cabinets in which cooked-chilled foods are stored, when displayed for sale, should be kept at a specified temperature and as to the frequency of inspection of such cabinets.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I expect to announce proposals for new temperature control requirements in the Food Hygiene Regulations very shortly. Environmental health officers will be responsible for enforcing any revised regulations in the same way as they are responsible for enforcing the current regulations, and no special advice has been issued.

Mrs. Wise

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that cooked-chilled food offered for sale is only in cabinets which have a visible thermometer reading not more than 3 deg. celsius.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I expect to announce proposals for new temperature control requirements in the Food Hygiene Regulations very shortly.

Mrs. Wise

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has any plans to specify a permitted shelf life for cooked-chilled foods.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 17 February to the hon. Member for Wakefield (Mr. Hinchliffe) at column423.

Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to announce new regulations governing storage temperatures for cook-chilled food in shops; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

[holding answer 21 February 1989.]I expect to be able to announce proposals for new regulations very shortly.

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