Written question asked by Mark Todd (Labour) on Thursday, 10 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 May 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 May 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her Answer of 18th March 2003, 401 c644W, on food safety, whether the test techniques referred to will be the most accurate available for detecting salmonella in foodstuffs.

Answer: Mr. Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 18 March 2003, Official Report, column 644W, on food safety, whether the test techniques referred to will be the most accurate available for detecting salmonella in foodstuffs. [109372] Mr. Morley: The test techniques referred to in the answer given on 18 March 2003, Official Report, column 644W, on food safety, do not relate to the detection of salmonella in foodstuffs. They relate to the detection of meat and bone meal and other mammalian protein in fishmeal intended for the feeding of farmed animals. In relation to testing for detecting salmonella in foodstuffs, the choice of technique will be dependent on many factors, with accuracy, robustness, simplicity, cost and other issues all needing to be taken into account. No one technique will be suitable for all foodstuffs, and it is incumbent on those undertaking the testing to make sure that the method they use is fit for purpose.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 109372; 404 c715W;404 c711W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Animal feed Animal products Contamination Disease control Testing BSE Salmonella
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk