HC Deb 26 April 2002 vol 384 cc512-3W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what baseline was established during 2000–01 for monitoring the Service Delivery Agreement target specified on Page 27 of the 2001 report of the Food Standards Agency to reduce foodborne illness by 20 per cent over the next five years. [49079]

Yvette Cooper

The baseline established for monitoring the target of reducing foodborne illness by 20 per cent by April 2006 was announce by the Food Standards Agency on 23 August 2001. It is based on UK laboratory reports of the five major foodborne bacteria, excluding cases reported to have been acquired abroad. The baseline figure for the 5-year period, starting 1 April 2001, is 65,209.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Service Delivery Agreement target of the Food Standards Agency to develop policy on the nutritional quality of foods and diets and their effect on public health, especially amongst disadvantaged groups, has been met. [49250]

Yvette Cooper

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) published its strategic framework on nutrition in March 2001 and its nutrition action plan in December 2001. Copies have been placed the Library. These documents set out the work programme the FSA has in hand on diet and health issues, including that related to disadvantaged groups.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the quantitive consumer market research carried out by the Food Standards Agency to identify measures to assess changes in consumer attitudes on food safety and standards. [49069]

Yvette Cooper

As part of its commitment to putting the consumer first, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) conducts an annual survey of consumer attitudes to food safety and food standards issues. This survey provides valuable information about consumer attitudes, behaviours and preferences which is used to inform Agency priorities and activities. It also tracks awareness and confidence in the Agency itself.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Food Standards Agency has fulfilled its Service Delivery Agreement to establish a system for post hoc audits of major food incidents involving relevant services. [49081]

Yvette Cooper

A system of reviews of major food incidents is in place and in addition to internal review meetings a stakeholder workshop was held during 2001 to consider the co-ordination of food incident handling with key stakeholders.