asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that the plans of the South Eastern Health Board to extend the cook-chill food preparation systems to all hospitals in the region poses no threat to the health and wellbeing of patients, in view of the problem of listeria infection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Food Preparation System.
115.
The monitoring carried out by health boards of foods from their cook-chill systems have revealed no evidence of listeria. My Department is, however, currently reviewing the hygiene safety requirements in relation to the cook-chill process with a view to the issue of guidelines to the food industry and other users of the cook-chill process. A discussion document has been circulated to interested parties and a full response to the document is expected shortly. Guidelines will then be drawn up by my Department.