Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 9 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 December 2002. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 December 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what advice he gives to the public on (a) eating lamb and (b) the possible link between scrapie and CJD.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he gives to the public on (a) eating lamb and (b) the possible link between scrapie and CJD. [86906] Ms Blears: The Food Standards Agency is responsible for giving advice on food issues. The agency informs me that it is continuing not to advise consumers against eating sheep meat or sheep meat products. Earlier this year, consumers were advised that, if BSE were present in sheep, their risk would be significantly reduced by avoiding sausages made with sheep intestine. Epidemiological evidence does not suggest a link between scrapie and CJD.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 396 c782W; 86906
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Diseases Health hazards Information Food Meat CJD Epidemiology Scrapie Sheep meat
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk