The spreading of blood and rumen contents from meat factories on land is restricted by law where such action gives rise to the discharge of polluting matter into water or constitutes a statutory nuisance under the Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878, as amended. The practice would not constitute a risk to animal health where such spreading is confined to arable land. However, the spreading of this material on pasture is not advisable and is actively discouraged by my Department.
I am informed by the director of ERAD that the question of waste disposal from both farm and meat factory is under review by the TB investigation unit. In addition, ERAD has commissioned a joint research programme between the TB investigation unit and Teagasc to develop safer methods of disposal of this type of material.
Waste offal has a commercial value and is normally heat treated and processed.