asked the Minister for Agriculture why the requirement in S.I. 252 of 1978 that milk from a brucellosis reactor be heat-treated prior to feeding to animals, does not extend also to the feeding of such milk to humans; and if any other prohibtion exists in relation to the feeding of such milk to humans.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Consumption.
17.
The reason is that the powers available to me under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966 extend only to the control of disease in animals. Human health regulations are the responsibility of the Minister for Health.
Would the Minister agree that this milk is just as dangerous to humans as to animals? Has he made representations to the Minister for Health to make regulations?
I am very well aware that both bovine TB and brucellosis are transmittable to humans. I am quite certain the Minister for Health is also aware of this. I recall asking the Minister's predecessor about this difficulty and he was aware as I think most of the House and the country are, of the high danger of using untreated milk for human consumption.