Listeria (Hansard, 17 July 1995)

§ Dr. Strang
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps have been taken by his Department to ensure that cook-chilled meals and ready to eat poultry carry sufficient labelling to warn customers that the produce must be re-heated to a sufficient temperature to reduce risks of listeria. [34235]

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
The food labelling regulations require that the labelling of prepacked foods should include instructions for use to enable appropriate preparation or use of the food. In addition, general advice to consumers that cooking food thoroughly, so that the temperature at the centre reaches at least 70 degrees968W centigrade for at least two minute, will kill most harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning, has already been published in the free "FoodSense" booklet on food safety.

§ Dr. Strang
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions have taken place with the Department of Health to co-ordinate matters specifically relating to concerns over listeria in food in the last five years. [34226]

§ Mr. Hogg
The incidence of listeriosis has declined significantly since 1988, and there has been no call for specific discussions between Departments about listeria in food in the last five years. However, the issue of listeria routinely arises during wider discussions between Departments on microbiological food safety matters.

§ Dr. Strang
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations his Department received regarding listeria in food(a) prior to and (b) following the guidelines issued by the Chief Medical Officer on 10 February 1989. [34229]

§ Mr. Hogg
Our records suggest that the bulk of such representations are directed to the Department of Health, which is generally in the lead in this matter. My Department has occasionally received correspondence, for example from trade associations.

§ Dr. Strang
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions his Department has had with(a) farmers, (b) food processing companies and (c) consumer groups regarding listeria in food in the past five years. [34230]

§ Mr. Hogg
My Department has had discussions with these groups, and in particular the food processors, about the standard for listeria which is set by the EC milk hygiene directive.