asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the percentage of samples of milk intended for domestic consumption which failed to pass tests made to determine the suitability or otherwise of the milk for human consumption in 1951 and 1952 in each of the following grades: (a) highest grade, (b) pasteurised milk, (c) loose unpasteurised milk.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Tests.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the percentage of samples of milk intended for domestic consumption which failed to pass tests to determine the presence or otherwise of tubercle bacilli in 1951 and 1952 in each of the following grades: (a) highest grade, (b) pasteurised, (c) loose unpasteurised.
Mr. Walsh
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together, and to circulate with the Official Report a statistical statement showing the percentage of samples of milk taken in the years 1951/52 which failed to pass tests applied for the purposes of the Milk and Dairies Act, 1935.
As regards the suitability of the milk for human consumption, I would refer the Deputy to my statements in reply to questions by him on 13th and 26th March, 1952.
The following is the statement:—
PERCENTAGE OF SAMPLES OF MILK TAKEN IN THE YEARS 1951 AND WHICH FAILED TO PASS TESTS APPLIED FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE MILK AND DAIRIES ACT, 1935.
|
Category |
Nature of Test |
Percentage of samples that failed test |
|
|
1951 |
1952 |
||
|
Highest Grade Milk |
Bacillus Coli Test |
21 |
18 |
|
Methylene Blue Test |
19 |
14 |
|
|
Biological Test for Tubercle Bacillus |
* |
2 |
|
|
Pasteurised Milk |
Plate Count Test |
20 |
15 |
|
Phosphatase Test |
9 |
8 |
|
|
Biological Test for Tubercle Bacillus |
* |
2 |
|
|
Loose Unpasteurised Milk |
Plate Count Test |
16 |
25 |
|
Microscopic Test |
28 |
15 |
|
|
Biological Test for Tubercle Bacillus |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Cultural and Serological Tests |
Nil |
8 |
|
|
Minit Dirt Test |
6 |
4 |
*Particulars are not available in respect of the year 1951.