§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to tackle the growing problem of food poisoning; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ennals,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 27th January 1978; Vol. 942, c. 822], gave the following information:
I am glad to say that, while final figures are not yet available, the indications are that the number of food poisoning incidents in England notified for 1977 will be lower than that for 1976. Nevertheless, the Government attach great importance to all possible measures being taken to reduce the incidence of food poisoning.
What is required is, in our view, not so much the adoption of fresh measures as the strengthening of efforts along existing lines; in particular, there is need to impress on all those engaged in handling food the importance of maintaining good hygiene and food safety. Within the limits of available resources officers of local authority environmental health departments give advice and guidance to this end in the course of their food inspection duties and as part of wider education measures. In addition, my Department publishes a variety of material stressing the importance of this subject and giving appropriate advice. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food also accepts the importance of taking steps to reduce the incidence of infection in live animals and feeding stuffs.