§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what factor he attributes the latest annual increase in salmonella enteritidis infections in humans.
§ Mr. DorrellEpidemiological and microbiological work by the public health laboratory service on salmonella enteritidis phage type 4, which is the main salmonella associated with food poisoning in humans, continues to demonstrate that this organism is predominantly associated with poultry meat and eggs. Reports of illness are still being received where the public health advice about the safe consumption of eggs and the hygienic handling of raw meats especially poultry, is not being followed. It is important that producers, caterers and consumers continue their efforts to control this problem.