HC Deb 14 February 1989 vol 147 cc157-8W
Mr. Colvin

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many egg production units have been found to contain salmonella enteritidis; and what percentage this is of the national total.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The most recent figures show that there were 35 reports of isolation of salmonella enteritidis in 1988 in table egg laying and breeder laying flocks. There are estimated to be 38,534 holdings with table egg laying flocks and 11,403 with breeder laying flocks in Great Britain, but it is not possible to give as a percentage those flocks in which salmonella enteritidis has been reported as more than one report may relate to the same flock.

Mr Colvin

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many table poultry production units have been found to contain salmonella enteritidis; and what percentage this is of the national total.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The most recent figures show that there were 276 reports of isolations of salmonella enteritidis in broiler flocks in 1988. There were estimated to be 1,704 holdings with broiler flocks in Great Britain. In addition, birds will be sold for the table from laying flocks and breeding flocks, which are kept on an estimated 50,000 holdings. It is not possible to give as a percentage those flocks in which salmonella enteritidis has been reported as more than one report may relate to the same flock.

Mr. Colvin

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether salmonella enteritidis T4 has been isolated inside an egg destined for eating.

Mr. Ryder

Salmonella enteritidis PT4 has been isolated from the contents of eggs obtained from flocks supplying eggs for human consumption.