§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions in the last five years he has reminded local authorities of their statutory responsibility to inspect the production of soft cheese. [13585]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonGuidance notes and code of practice No. 18 were issued on 7 November 1995 to all food authorities in Scotland in relation to their responsibilities under the Dairy Products (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations 1995.
§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of soft cheese producers; and what subjects were discussed. [13583]
§ Mr. RobertsonAlthough my right hon. Friend has not met representatives of soft cheese producers, they have regular meetings and correspondence with officials of his Department. The development of a code of best practice is currently under discussion.
§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the dangers posed to public health by listeria in soft cheese; and if he will make a statement. [13584]
§ Mr. RobertsonNone. However, the current Scottish Office co-ordinated programme on listeria is concentrating on molecular techniques for identifying virulent strains, and on survival and growth of the pathogen in the gut, food and silage systems. The Expert Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food has been asked by the Scottish Office and Department of Health for an expert assessment of current scientific knowledge on the pathogenesis and virulence of listeria with particular emphasis on cheese.