Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 5

Written Answers. - E. Coli Deaths.

Pat Upton

Ceist:

23 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to newspaper reports (details supplied) that E. coli 0157 has been responsible for the death of about 50 people in the United Kingdom last year; and the relevance he feels these reports have for food safety in this country. [8850/95]

Pat Upton

Ceist:

35 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to fund an information campaign to inform the public of the risks which arise from the presence of the micro-organism E. coli 0157 in foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8849/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 35 together.

I am aware of the newspaper report to which the Deputy refers. I understand that an advisory committee to the UK Department of Health is due to issue a report shortly on the subject of E. coli 0157 infection and that the newspaper article deals with the likely content of that report. Although it is not possible for me to comment further on a report which has not yet been published, my information is that the number of deaths attributed to E. coli 0157 infections in the UK is considerably lower than the level suggested by the newspaper.

I am very aware of the food safety aspects of E. coli 0157 infection. The report of the Food Safety Advisory Committee on this matter was brought to the attention of the eight health boards by my Department and all health boards staff involved in food controls have been alerted to its recommendations especially on the proper cooking methods for minced meat and hamburgers. These are considered to be the major sources of the infection. This, in my view, is the most effective way of minimising the risks associated with this micro-organism. I do not consider that an information campaign directed at the general public would serve any useful purpose, at this stage.