I know Deputy Joe Walsh and other Deputies will join with me in extending sympathy to the family of the young child who died over the weekend as a result of E-coli infection.
E-coli is a bacterium widely distributed in nature and is present in large numbers in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Many strains are not harmful. However, several strains are very harmful in humans as they can cause internal damage. One such harmful strain is E-coli 0157. Surveys have shown that E-coli 0157 lives in the intestines of healthy animals and can contaminate meat during slaughter. When meat is minced, the mincing process, in particular, can transfer the harmful bacteria into the interior of the finished meat product.
The symptoms of E-coli infection include acute diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. In about 10 per cent of such infections, a further condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome, HUS, develops. HUS is characterised by kidney failure and fatalities are associated with about one-tenth of HUS cases. Most cases of E-coli infection can be resolved with simple measures including home nursing, plenty of fluids, a light diet and rest. The further condition of HUS requires hospital treatment.
For several years now, my Department has recognised the potentially serious implications of E-coli infection and has taken steps to increase awareness of it. 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 issued in December 1996, this time to all 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.
As Deputies are aware, the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981-96 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)". This means that all cases of the infection in Ireland must be brought to the attention of the relevant health board, which is then required to notify my Department. To date, all cases of the E-coli infection in Ireland have been sporadic. There have not been epidemics here as have occurred in other countries, most notably in Scotland on several occasions in recent years.
Nevertheless it is imperative that the medical profession, the public, and all persons engaged in food preparation are aware of E-coli and of the simple measures by which infection can be prevented. As only very small numbers of the E-coli bacteria are necessary to cause illness, it is important that the proper cooking and general good food hygiene practices are observed. In particular, I would stress the following precautions: minced meat and similar products should be thoroughly cooked until the juices run clear, and there are no pink areas on the inside of the meat product; raw fruit and vegetables should be washed; as unpasteurised milk and its products are potential sources of infection, as Deputy Walsh pointed out, vulnerable groups such as children or those with poor immunity should avoid these products in favour of pasteurised milk products; and, as with many other forms of food poisoning, the observance of general personal hygiene and good food hygiene practice can prevent and control instances of infection.
This advice corresponds with that provided to the Minister recently by the Food Safety Advisory Board on steps to increase awareness of E-coli infection and on the means of preventing and controlling it.
In relation to the recent case of E-coli infection, I understand the Eastern Health Board is currently checking for other instances of infection in persons who were in contact with the child, but that the results of initial investigations are all negative.
I assure Deputies of my strong commitment to the question of food safety. Deputies are aware of the Government's plans to establish a new body dedicated to ensuring compliance with the very best food safety and hygiene standards. My Department is giving priority to the preparation of the necessary legislation but, meanwhile, the interim Food Safety Board of Ireland is proceeding with putting in place the necessary structures and administrative systems to ensure the statutory board will be able to make a strong and immediate impact in this area.
