§ Mr. JackTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the advice from the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food on the sale of raw cows' milk for drinking consumption. [18717]
Dr. John CunninghamThe advice of the Committee is unequivocal. This is why I have arranged public consultation on a proposal to ban the sale in England, Wales and Northern Ireland of raw cows' milk for drinking. We will reflect further when the results of public consultation are available.
§ Mr. JackTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors underlay his decision to consult interested parties on the sale of unpasteurised cows' milk for drinking consumption. [18716]
Dr. John CunninghamAfter careful consideration of the issues, the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food expressed concern about the microbiological quality of unpasteurised cows' milk for drinking and recommended that the sale of such milk be banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Such sales are already banned in Scotland.
This is a matter of public health concern and I considered it appropriate to consult interested parties on a proposal to ban its sale.