Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what research they have carried out on the food safety effects of chlorine washing of (1) salad, and (2) meat, products.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that chlorine washes can be used on fresh produce, including salad, but are legally not permitted on products of animal origin or meat.

Past research commissioned by the FSA includes Reducing Campylobacter cross-contamination during poultry processing. The researchers tested some substances, including, chlorine dioxide, and compared their effect with steam treatment. The results indicated that none of the treatments eliminated Campylobacter entirely. The FSA is continuing to review the literature and monitor the latest developments on the topic. A copy of the report is attached.