§ Dr. MoonieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many outbreaks of food poisoning in each year between 1986 and 1996 were related to the consumption of unpasteurised milk, broken down by infective agent, if known; and if he will make a statement. [30726]
§ Mr. Galbraith[holding answer 24 February 1998]: Sixteen outbreaks attributed to unpasteurised cows milk were reported to the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health between 1986 and 1996. Thirteen were of salmonella infection and three of campylobacter infection. None have been reported since 1992.
1986: Two outbreaks: salmonellosis.1987: Fiveoutbreaks: two salmonellosis, three campylobacteriosis.1988: One outbreak: salmonellosis. 1989:None.1990: Two outbreaks: salmonellosis.269W1991: Four outbreaks: salmonellosis.1992: Two outbreaks: salmonellosis. 1993:Two outbreaks: campylobacteriosis.1994: None.1995: The outbreak surveillance system did not operate in 1995.1996: None.In addition to the above there was one case of food poisoning (E.coli 0157) associated with raw goats' drinking milk in 1996. The question of pasteurisation of milk from goats and sheep was the subject of a recent consultation. No decisions have yet been taken on this.
§ Dr. MoonieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will assess the advantages of extending the compulsory pasteurisation of milk to milk from(a) goats and (b) sheep; and if he will make a statement. [30730]
§ Mr. Galbraith[holding answer 24 February 1998]: These issues were considered in the consultation exercise on the sale of raw sheep and goats' milk in Scotland, conducted during the Autumn 1996. The consultation paper included a number of possible options for the course of future policy. No decisions have yet been taken on this policy.