§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will initiate additional scientific research into the epidemiology of listeriosis and the behaviour of its causative organism and as to whether the current statutory HTST milk pasteurisation temperature is fully effective in the destruction of listeria monocytogenes.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe will consider carefully any proposals to study the epidemiological risk factors (with particular reference to food) for the development of listeriosis. The behaviour of the causative organism has already been studied by the public health laboratory service and Camden Food Research Association, which were Government funded for this work. There is general international consensus that the HTST milk pasteurisation temperature and time requirements of 71.7°C for 15 seconds in the existing regulations is fully effective in the destruction of listeria monocytogenes.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish a microbiological standard for listeria in foods.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Government have established a committee chaired by Sir Mark Richmond to advise them on the microbiological safety of food. The work of the committee will include consideration of listeria. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I will consider its recommendations on this and all related subjects as and when they are available.