§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
When salmonella was first detected in laying hens; how many egg-producing establishments have since become infected; how many such establishments are now certified clear of infection; whether any of the infected egg-producers are still in production, and if so why; and how many cases of salmonella in hens have been attributed to the use of poultry feathers and infected animal offal in feedingstuffs.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonSalmonella has been present in the environment, in animals and in poultry for many years. The most recent figures for 1988 show that salmonella enteritidis was isolated in 20 table-egg laying flocks. A thorough investigation has been carried out in each premises where salmonella enteritidis was isolated and advice given to the operator on disease control, disinfection and egg hygiene. There is no evidence to indicate that any of the cases investigated last year was attributed to feathers and animal offal processed for use in feedingstuffs.
As the Government have announced, notices will be issued under the Zoonoses Order 1975 to egg producers whose flocks are known to be infected or suspected of being infected with salmonella enteritidis or other similar types of salmonella. These notices will prevent the sale of eggs in a raw state for direct consumption.