asked the Minister for Health whether he has any information on the cause and effects of listeria available to him; the origins of same; whether outbreaks in other countries represent any threat to Ireland; if he has any information, brochures or booklets available for the benefit of the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Information on Listeria.
124.
The listeria organism is present in the environment and between 5 per cent and 70 per cent of people carry listeria in their intestines, without any symptoms. However, the organism is capable of causing serious disease including septic abortion, newborn or adult septicaemia, meningitis or meningo-encephalitis. In healthy individuals, the organism may produce influenza-like symptoms, or no symptoms at all. The population most at risk are neonates, the old, the pregnant and those compromised by an underlying illness such as malignancy or alcoholism. Immuno-compromised people are also susceptible to infection. For these groups, mortality rates can run from between 20 per cent to over 60 per cent.
Nine cases of listeriosis occured in Ireland during the past three years. Evidence from other countries indicates that listeriosis is primarily transmitted by food, but food was not identified as being the cause in the nine Irish cases.
Outbreaks in other countries do not present a significant risk for this country but imports of vulnerable foods are monitored on a regular basis as a precautionary measure.
I have asked the Food Safety Advisory Committee to examine the question of listeria, including what advice should be given to the public, and to make recommendations. I expect to have a report from the committee in the very near future and I will then make a further statement in the matter.