asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that salmon canned in Japan and imported into this country is canned under hygienic conditions and that, as imported, it is free from germs and in no way injurious to health.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Canned Salmon.
I have no information regarding the conditions under which the canning of salmon imported into this country from Japan is carried out. I should like to mention, however, that it is an offence under the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950, to sell or offer for sale any article of food which is diseased, contaminated or otherwise unfit for human consumption. The regulations empower the chief medical officer of a health authority to prohibit the importation and disposal of such food. A local authority may also under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts arrange for the taking of samples of a food with a view to testing its nature, substance and quality.
If the Deputy has any evidence that any imported canned salmon is injurious to health, I would be obliged if he would bring the matter to my notice or to the notice of the local authority concerned which, I am sure, will take appropriate action.