§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Ministry is taking to ensure that chilled foods are safe to eat when bought.from retailers. [38928]
§ Mr. SackvilleWe are committed to maintaining high standards of food safety. Revised Food Safety (Temperature Control) Regulations 1995 were brought into force on 15 September 1995. Under the regulations, chilled foods which are likely to be harmful to health, because they support either the growth of pathogenic micro-organisms or the formation of toxins, must be kept at a maximum chill temperature of 8 deg. C. This requirement applies to food retailers. The regulations are enforced at local level by environmental health officers employed by local authorities.