§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce specific measures to eliminate the health hazards posed by the sale of ice cream; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellThe reported incidence of food poisoning does not show that ice cream poses particular health problems. Ice cream, like any other food that may pose a health risk, will be subject to the new provisions of the Food Safety Act 1990. Among other things, the Act 677W provides for tighter controls when food is found to be unfit; for improved food law enforcement; for a system of registration of food traders and for the training of those who handle food commercially.
A recently publicised survey has produced some evidence of bacterial contamination of ice cream at the point of sale. In 1989 the Department collaborated with the Ice Cream Alliance, the Ice Cream Federation and the Institute of Environmental Health Officers to produce a code of practice to address this problem. The Department will bring the contents of the code to the attention of all ice cream vendors.