§ 30. Sir David PriceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what particular research projects his Department has commissioned, or is assisting, into the cleanliness and safety of food for human consumption.
§ Mr. RyderThose projects sponsored by MAFF, in its 1988–89 food R and D programme, that are relevant to food hygiene and the microbiological safety of foods are as follows:
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Title Contractor Investigation of combinations of sub-lethal treatments to preserve processed foods CFDRA Physiological basis of the resistance of food spoilage yeasts to SO2 Bath University Fruit and vegetable preservation by natural mixed acid systems Surrey University Microbiological safety of chilled foods including salads IFRN Micro-organisms in food and beverage spoilage IFRR Effect of eugenol on heat treated yeasts Bath University Food hazard analysis and assessment of operational risks Bath University Rapid test for quality and shelf life in catering Surrey University Gradient plate techniques in the multifactorial control of microbial growth in foods University of Wales, Cardiff Rapid methods to assess the microbiological quality of foods BFMIRA Enzyme-linked immunological biosensors for the detection of pathogenic bacteria in food IFRR Limulus assay on UHT milk to determine raw milk quality MMB Detection of sub-lethal injury in micro-organisms Portsmouth Polytechnic Use of non-radioactive DNA probes for the detection and identification of food borne pathogens Nottingham University Develop objective indices of spoilage from chemical, microbiological and sensory changes IFRB Improve existing and develop new methods to assess hygienic quality of foods IFRR Electron transfer coupling as a rapid method for assessment of bacterial contamination IFRR Key: BFMIRA—British Food Manufacturing Industry Research Association (Leatherhead Food RA). CFDRA—Campden Food and Drink Research Association. FMBRA—Flour Milling and Baking Research Association. IFRB—Institute of Food Research, Bristol (AFRC). IFRN—Institute of Food Research, Norwich (AFRC). IFRR—Institute of Food Research, Reading (AFRC). MAFF (FSL)—Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Food Science Laboratory. MMB—Milk Marketing Board. PHLS—Public Health Laboratory Service.
§ 51. Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any proposals to set up an independent body to monitor food health.
§ Mr. MacGregorFood and Health Ministers already receive advice on this subject from a number of independent scientific committees of the highest standing. In addition we are extending the present arrangements by setting up an expert committee, chaired by Sir Mark Richmond, vice chancellor of Manchester university, to provide authoritative advice on microbiological aspects of food safety; the committee will publish reports both on specific issues referred to it by the Government and on such matters as it considers need investigation.
§ 57. Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration is given to food safety by his Ministry.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe safety of foodstuffs is central to the Government's food policy. From this point of view all aspects of the nation's food supply are kept under continuous surveillance, and the results of that work are carefully assessed by independent experts who advise the Government on any action that may be necessary.