HC Deb 16 December 1997 vol 303 cc129-30W
Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the risk associated with eating each type of food linked with fatal cases of food poisoning, infection or allergic reaction on which his Department collates data. [20768]

Ms Jowell

The Department of Health keeps food poisoning issues under review. The Government are advised on this matter by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF). The ACMSF has issued the following reports;

  • Report on Vacuum Packaging and Associated Processes (1993)
  • Salmonella in Eggs (1993)
  • Campylobacter (September 1993)
  • Report on Verocytotoxin Producing Escherichia coli (1995)
  • Report on Poultry Meat (1996).

Copies of these publications are available in the Library. The ACMSF's reports include assessments of the risks associated with foods and food processes and include recommendations to both the food industry and the consumer.

The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment is currently considering the factors that influence the development of peanut allergy in infants and young children and is preparing advice to mothers. A report is expected in the spring.