HL Deb 14 April 1999 vol 599 c126WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether E.coli 0157 is endemic in any animals from which products are used for human consumption in the United Kingdom. [HL1792]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Donoughue)

E.coli 0157 is believed to be present at a low level of prevalence in cattle and sheep. Surveys have started which aim to establish the level of prevalence of E.coli 0157 in cattle, sheep and pigs presented for slaughter at abattoirs.