§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) deaths and (b) recorded occasions of illness have resulted from listeria as a consequence of eating unpasteurised cheeses in each year since 1990; 517W what research he has (i) evaluated and (ii) commissioned regarding the incidence and effects of listeria; and what action under public health law he has taken. [26910]
§ Mr. HoramDuring the period 1990–95 there have been no deaths or illness as a result of eating unpasteurised cheesees. However, because of the characteristics of human listeriosis, specified food vehicles are rerely identified.
The Department continues to monitor and evaluate the findings of United Kingdom and international research and surveillance of listeria monocytogenes. The Department has funded projects on L. monocytogenes in foods including seafoods, vegetables and various self-service salad bar foods. Other work which has been funded includes the effect of modified atmospheres on the growth of L. monocytogenes, the effect of thermisation on L. monocytogenes in milk and the carriage of and infection by L. monocytogenes during pregnancy.
The Department is currently funding a microbiological study of raw cows' milk on retail sale in England and Wales including surveillance for L. monocytogenes.
No action has been taken under food safety legislation concerning L. monocytogenes in unpasteurised cheeses.