Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 5

Written Answers. - E.coli Infection.

Michael Ring

Question:

124 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the precautions being taken to prevent the outbreak of E.coli 0157; the number of outbreaks in the past five years; the fatalities, if any, due to this disease; and the steps, if any, his Department is taking in relation to hygiene education, food safety standards and so on to highlight this issue for consumers. [23300/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

Records available to me indicate that four cases of E.coli 0157 were reported by health boards to my Department during 1997, and three cases were reported during 1998. The records also indicate that there were no fatalities due to this infection during these years.

While all cases of E.coli 0157 infection in Ireland have been sporadic and there have not been epidemics of the infection here, I believe nevertheless, it is imperative that the medical profession, the public, and all persons engaged in food preparation are aware of E.coli 0157 and of the simple measures by which infection can be prevented.

My Department has for several years now recognised the potentially serious implications of this 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 was issued in December 1996 to all the Directors of Public Health in the health boards, who 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.

More recently, following advice from the Food Safety Advisory Board, the Health Promotion Unit of my Department has prepared a leaflet for distribution to the general public on this matter. The leaflet advises, in particular, on the importance of properly cooking meat products, on the need to properly wash raw fruit and vegetables before eating, and on the importance of observing good food hygiene and personal hygiene practices in order to prevent and control outbreaks of E.coli 0157 infection.

While there is a legal requirement under the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981-1996 to notify cases of food poisoning generally, E.coli 0157 is not specifically notifiable. However, the recently established National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit, which will provide a comprehensive broad based approach to the prevention of disease, including foodborne disease, is currently reviewing the whole area of disease notification and E.coli 0157 is being included in this review.

Furthermore, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has established an E.coli 0157 task force to examine the issue, and to advise on the appropriate response in terms of regulation, standards and education for consumers and producers. I understand that this task force will report within a matter of weeks.