asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to recent reports that powdered milk was sold in Limerick City under the guise of ordinary fresh milk; and if he will take steps to prevent a recurrence of this activity in view of the effect it could have on public health.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Powdered Milk Sales.
27.
I have seen reports of the nature referred to by the Deputy. Only special designation milks, i.e. pasteurised milk or highest grade milk, may legally be sold in Limerick city for human consumption as whole milk. Control over the production and sale of such milks is a matter for the sanitary authority at local level and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at central level.
The sale of reconstituted whole milk powder is not a public health risk provided that the product is of high quality and that the mixture is pasteurised.
Is the Minister not aware that our chief veterinary inspector and our public health doctor have already investigated this matter and reported to the Limerick City Council and to us in the mid-Western Health Board? Their view was——
Please, Deputy.
Deputies
Speech.
I want to put the matter into perspective.
If the Deputy insists on making a speech, I shall have to pass on to the next question.
We have already discussed this at local level and we know what we are talking about.