§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what restriction will now apply to the sending of Patum Peperium, a gentleman's relish, and similar products through the post in light of the Food Hygiene (Amendment) Regulations 1990; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellThe foods covered by temperature controls are listed in the Food Hygiene (Amendment) Regulations 1990, copies of which are available in the Library. Food businesses will need to consider whether their products are required to be temperature controlled or whether the exemptions for foods which have been processed or packaged to prevent the growth of pathogenic micro-organisms at ambient temperatures apply.
Patum Peperium may well have a high enough salt content to prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms without the need for temperature control hut this will depend on the particular recipe used and is for the manufacturer to determine.