HC Deb 19 January 1989 vol 145 cc319-20W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the research projects he is funding into listeria monocytogenes and the research establishments where these projects are undertaken; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

My Department is funding research projects on listeria monocytogenes. These projects form part of the extensive on-going research programme on food safety which my Department undertakes.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to reduce the incidence of listeria monocytogenes in raw poultry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for York (Mr. Gregory) on 17 January 1989 at column 159.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will be in a position to report on the results of his Department's studies into the temperature sensitivity of listeria monocytogenes.

Mr. Ryder

My Department expects to receive a report of this work next month.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details of the studies commissioned by his Department into the temperature sensitivity of listeria monocytogenes.

Mr. Ryder

We have a substantial research project in hand on the heat treatment required to kill listeria monocytogenes in a variety of foods, in particular white poultry meat, red meat and carrots. Results of this work will enable us to ensure that the cooking conditions used in the manufacture of these foods are appropriate and allow adequate safety margins to be maintained.