§ Mr. Maurice Macmillanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study he has made of the proposals of the Medical Officer of Health for Liverpool, a copy of which has been sent to him, concerning salmonella infection associated with the broiler chicken industry; and if he will now conduct an investigation into this matter.
§ Mr. SnowThe proposals of the Medical Officer of Health for Liverpool for the cleanliness of food handling, equipment and premises, reinforce the content of the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations, 1960. The responsibility for enforcement of these Regulations lies with the local authorities. All those engaged in the handling and preparation of food, particularly the food handler, should be aware of their obligations and in this process of education my Department, the enforcing authorities and the trade all have a contribution to make. The Medical Officer of Health also referred to the importance of cooking to a high temperature, and I cannot114W emphasise too strongly that all frozen chickens should be properly thawed out and then thoroughly cooked.
Officers of my Department were associated with the Medical Officer of Health for Liverpool in investigating the specific incident of salmonella food poisoning referred to in his paper.