Vol. 419 No. 6
199 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health if, in light of the recent incident in which a mouse was found in a loaf of bread (details supplied) he will outline any specific plans he has to reform the guidelines and conditions adhered to by bakers, and if he will provide a timetable for the implementation of these reforms.
On 17 February I announced the introduction of comprehensive new food controls under the 8 regional health boards. The new controls are in compliance with an E.C. Directive which aims to create uniform food controls across Europe.
The new regulations envisage a more programmed system of food inspection and sampling at all stages of production and supply. I have made a sum of £0.5 million available to the health boards for the implementation of the new controls. These additional resources will be used to recruit 20 additional Environmental Health Officers and to re-equip the three public analyst laboratories. Tougher new penalties for infringements of the Food Hygiene Regulations have been introduced. The maximum fine of £100 has been increased to £1,000 — with £100 a day for a continuing offence. I am confident that these developments will promote the highest standards of food hygiene and will enhance consumer protection further.
