§ 64. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that cases of food poisoning have occurred as a result of eating hens' eggs; that these eggs became infected as a result of being packed in filthy crates at packing stations; and if he will take steps to prevent the occurrence of such cases in future.
§ Mr. H. NichollsI assume the hon. Member is referring to a recently published article in the Monthly Bulletin of the Ministry of Health.
This article was not categorical when it suggested that the outbreak of food poisoning in 1950 had any connection with the condition of crates at egg packing stations. It suggested that contamination could have occurred at this point, but it was not the only possible source of infection.
Clause (9) of the licence issued to packers under the Eggs Order, 1953, states:
You shall ensure that Keyes trays, fillers and flats, cartons and containers, which are used in pursuance of this Condition of Licence are clean, dry, sound and free from odours likely to contaminate eggs.The area staff of my Ministry is constantly examining boxes in packing stations to see that this condition is observed.