§ Dr. MurrisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of retailed chickens were positive for(a) campylobacter and (b) campylobacter serotypes of public health significance in the last 12 months. [9607]
§ Ms BlearsI have been asked to reply.
A survey of chicken on retail sale in the United Kingdom conducted this year on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found 50 per cent. of retailed chickens were positive for campylobacter. Preliminary results of the survey can be found on the FSA's website (www.foodstandards.gov.uk/news/chicken.htm). The identification of the campylobacter serotypes will not be complete until spring 2002.