§ Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been 1623W called to the poisoning epidemic which occurred in the Bath and Bristol districts during last August in which more than 200 people were affected through the food poison organism known as the mutton type of the salomonella group, which occurs in tinned food, potted meats, and pies; and what steps the officers of his Department have taken to instruct the public as to the prevention of the further spread of this infection?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is aware of the food poisoning cases referred to. These cases, and other cases of poisoning by similar organisms, have been investigated by officers of his Department and others, but my right hon. Friend is advised that in the present state of knowledge it is not always possible to safeguard against the infection of food by them. Further research is being made into the matter, and in the meantime the statutory provisions and regulations dealing with the handling of food prescribe requirements as to cleanliness and protection from contamination in general.