§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has on the recent salmonella outbreak at Burnley general hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellThere was an outbreak of food poisoning at Burnley general hospital in June this year due to Salmonella enteritidis PT4. The likely cause was cross-contamination from chicken which was defrosted in metal trays normally used for salads.
Implementation of guidance issued by the Department of Health enables health authorities to maintain standards of hygiene and safety of patient meals. In particular, the guidance warns of the need to take care to ensure that raw meat, including poultry, does not come into contact with cooked or prepared foods.