§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of food poisoning in Scotland were notified to his Department in(a) 1996 and (b) each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement. [20193]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information is set out in the table. Notifications of cases of food poisoning are made to the Common Services Agency for the Scottish health service. Notifications of food poisoning cases are made by doctors but, since February 1995, cases ascertained by laboratories and environmental health officers have also been included in the totals.
Notifications of Food Poisoning1,2 in Scotland, year ending 31 December 1979–1996 Year Total 1979 2,657 1980 2,689 1981 4,379 1982 4,525 1983 4,265 1984 4,301 1985 4,230 1986 4,662 1987 5,050 1988 5,734 1989 6,156 1990 6,757 1991 6,318 1992 7,877 1993 7,170 1994 8,291 1995 9,297 1996 10,126 1For 1979–1995 notifications are confirmed cases, adjusted where a revised diagnosis is subsequently received. For 1996 notifications are provisional and subject to amendment where a revised diagnosis is subsequently received. 2Includes Campylobacters from 1980. Excludes Campylobacters in Avrshire and Arran Health Board area from 1979–1986. source:
Common Services Agency.