asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the most recent Southern Health Board survey which showed that 38 per cent of luncheon meats examined failed the health standards test; and the proposals, if any, he has to eliminate these health hazards.
Written Answers. - Food Monitoring Programme.
89.
The survey to which the Deputy refers is, I believe, the food sampling and monitoring programme of the Southern Health Board. The most recent results of this programme are contained in the 1986 report of the health board's food hygiene laboratory.
The report shows that of a total of 631 samples of cooked meat taken from hotels, restaurants and retail outlets and sent to the laboratory for microbiological examination, 307 samples were found not to comply with the microbiological guidelines set by my Department.
I should point out that the microbiological guidelines do not by themselves constitute the criteria of fitness or otherwise of food. Where the guidelines are exceeded they indicate the existence of a possible defect in hygiene standards and the need for further inquiry.
In all cases where the guidelines were exceeded the health boards environmental health officers inquired further into hygiene standards and took additional samples as necessary. Where a problem was identified remedial action was taken.