HC Deb 27 June 1989 vol 155 cc427-8W
24. Mr. Loyden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he intends to take to reduce or eliminate the risks to health in the food chain.

Mr. Freeman

The Government have introduced a range of measures designed to reduce the risk of food contamination and, with industry, are continuing to consider what further action is necessary.

Both primary and secondary legislation are under review. We recently announced the intention to consult on changes in the food hygiene regulations, and the Government are presently considering the results of consultation on a wide-ranging review of the Food Act.

The Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food has commenced work under the chairmanship of Sir Mark Richmond.

Meanwhile we shall continue to act promptly to contain outbreaks of food poisoning which occur, and I refer the hon. Member to the statement my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State made on 13 June, at columns 703–9.