HC Deb 28 July 1989 vol 157 cc982-3W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information was conveyed to his Department concerning listeria by successive telephone calls from Dr. Ribeiro of the Cardiff public health laboratory service on the 16 June and subsequent days.

Mr. Freeman

By Friday 16 June the preliminary results of the survey being carried out locally by PHLS Cardiff were available. On Tuesday 20 June it was agreed with the Department that PHLS Cardiff would provide a summary as soon as further results on a wider survey were available. This further information was conveyed to the Department on 3 July.

Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps are now being taken to ensure that the greatest number of pregnant women know of the dangers of listeria to the foetus;

(2) what steps were taken to inform pregnant women of the dangers of listeria to the foetus at the first available opportunity.

Mr. Mellor

The chief medical officer issued general advice to the public about listeria on 10 February 1989. He also gave specific advice to pregnant women to avoid eating certain foods, such as soft cheeses and more recently pate. He subsequently wrote to all doctors in England on 16 February 1989 to provide them with detailed advice on listeriosis. This advice is extant.

In the case of listeria in pate, the results of a survey in Wales were not available until 30 June following which a national survey was set in hand to see whether or not there was a wider problem. However, in light of further evidence received from one of the importers on 11 July, we issued our warning to vulnerable groups on 12 July.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines his Department issues to pregnant women with regard to the dangers of listeriosis.

Mr. Mellor

The chief medical officer issued general advice to the public about listeria on 10 February 1989. He also gave specific advice to pregnant women to avoid eating certain foods, such as soft cheeses and more recently pate. He subsequently wrote to all doctors in England on 16 February 1989 to provide tern with detailed advice on listeriosis. This advice is extant.