§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many listeria cases were reported in 1992; and what assessment she has made of the effects of initiatives to combat the condition.
§ Mr. SackvilleIn 1992, 112 cases of listeriosis in England and Wales were reported to the public health laboratory service. This figure is provisional.
Listeriosis in this country remains a rare disease and its incidence has declined significantly since 1988, when there were 288 cases. The Chief Medical Officer continues to advise pregnant women and the immuno-compromised to avoid high risk foods such as pate and soft ripened cheeses. Advice about safe eating is kept under review.