asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the grading schemes which have been introduced by him to encourage better quality and presentation of all meat products.
Written Answers. - Meat Products Grading Schemes.
66.
The European Communities (Beef Carcase Classification) Regulation 1982 (S.I. No. 382 of 1982) provides for the grading of all cattle slaughtered at export premises. The grading is carried out by staff of my Department and determines conformation, fat cover, categories and weights of animals.
Such detailed grading schemes do not operate in the other meat sectors. However, a Community grading scheme based on lean meat content will be introduced for pig carcases from 1 January next.
On the sheep side, I have introduced a code of practice aimed at enhancing the quality and presentation of Irish lamb. Some positive results have already been achieved and I am confident that the code will play a significant part in improving overall quality in the sector in the future.