HC Deb 26 October 1994 vol 248 cc686-7W
Dr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total number of food poisoning notifications to the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys(a) for each year since 1982 and (b) in 1994 to the latest available date.

Mr. Sackville

The information is shown in the table.

Food poisoning notifications: England and Wales, 1982–1994
Number
1982 14,253
1983 17,735
1984 20,702
1985 19,242
1986 23,948
1987 29,331
1988 39,713
1989 52,557
1990 52,145
1991 52,543
1992 63,347
19931 69,955
19941 264,959
1Provisional figures.
2Notifications to 7 October.

There is no single explanation for the rising trend in food poisoning. A contributory factor may be a reduction in under-reporting. On 22 October 1993, my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health announced the start of a major study of infectious intestinal diseases in England. The purpose of the study is to establish the incidence, sources, causes and socio-economic costs of infectious intestinal disease. This is the most comprehensive study of its type ever attempted. It will involve more than 70 general practices and more than 20,000 volunteers. The study will be completed in mid-1995.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the latest figures available for this year of the total number of laboratory reports of salmonella in foodstuffs to the Public Health Laboratory Service in England and Wales.

Mr. Sackville

The Public Health Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens has confirmed that to the end of September, 1,152 food isolates submitted were found positive for salmonella.