Vol. 473 No. 2
44 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to have the E coli infection designated as a notifiable disease in view of its life threatening implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24902/96]
55 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that all possible precautions are being taken to prevent E coli infection from entering food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24888/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 55 together.
The Infectious Diseases Regulations, 1981 to 1996, list all the diseases and categories of diseases which are notifiable. The E coli 0157 infection is already included in the category, "Food Poisoning (bacterial other than salmonella)".
My Department has for several years now recognised the potentially serious implications of this infection. A report on the matter by the Food Safety Advisory Committee was circulated to all health boards in October 1994 with an instruction that it should be brought to the attention of all officers engaged in food control operations.
A reminder to this effect was issued in July 1995. A further reminder was issued on 6 December 1996, this time to all the directors of public health in the health boards. The directors were asked to remind doctors and laboratories to be particularly vigilant in reporting cases of food poisoning, with a view to identifying any possible cases of the E coli infection.
I have also recently received the advice of the Food Safety Advisory Board on steps to increase awareness of the infection and on means of preventing and controlling it. I am actively considering the board's proposals but meanwhile I would repeat the advice that the infection can best be controlled by thorough cooking of minced meat and by the observance of good personal and food hygiene practices in the home and by food workers in catering and other establishments. I would add that this advice is particularly important in the case of certain vulnerable groups and those whose immunity to infection is reduced. The observance of this simple but very effective advice will help to avoid any serious outbreak of the infection. I will, of course, be keeping the situation under continuing review.
