§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action his Department takes to ensure that individual health authorities discharge their responsibility for maintaining the statutory requirements and codes of good practice relating to food hygiene.
§ Mr. Moyle, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 11th November 1977; Vol. 938, c. 291], gave the following information:
Although the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations 1970, made under the Food and Drugs Act 1955 are not binding in 327W health authorities, Health Circular HC (77)24, published in July 1977, reminded them that they should comply with the provisions of those regulations and enforce good hygiene practice in hospitals and other health care establishments where food is provided. My Department has also published a code of good practice entitled "Health Service Catering Manual—Hygiene", which contains practical guidance on hygiene in catering departments and food service areas. Health authorities are required to inform environmental health departments of local authorities that their officers may visit and inspect hospital kitchens and food handling areas at any time without specific invitation or prior warning. There is, additionally, a standing arrangement whereby, if a health authority should fail to take appropriate action on an environmental health officer's recommendation, this would be brought directly to the attention of my Department.