§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the annual incidence of food poisoning directly related to the consumption of fresh meat since the introduction of mandatory meat inspection.
§ Mr. DorrellThe figures for the annual incidence of outbreaks of bacterial food poisoning and salmonellosis in England and Wales reported to the PHLS communicable disease surveillance centre for 1984 to 1988 (the most recent years available) are in the table.
Earlier data are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Vehicle of infection in outbreaks of bacterial food poisoning1 and salmonellosis reported by laboratories, MOsEH and EHOs in England and Wales to communicable disease surveillance centre 1984 to 1988 Year Food vehicle 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 Chicken 24 22 25 28 22 Turkey 21 16 10 17 14 Poultry — 1 2 2 — Beef 27 11 11 11 9 Pork/ham 11 9 22 6 13 Lamb/mutton 1 5 2 1 1 Rabbit — 1 — — — Mixed and other meats, pies, sausages 50 33 29 31 20 Gravy/sauces 3 1 — 1 2 Milk/cream 20 10 7 2 4 Eggs — 5 4 8 36 Pasta dishes — — 6 1 — Rice 4 3 5 5 4 Shellfish/fish 7 2 2 5 3 Other mixed foods 30 26 11 24 32 Not known 441 322 380 363 381 TOTAL 639 467 516 505 541 1 Bacillus sp, Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus.