Vol. 405 No. 5
4 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that recent adverse publicity regarding the availability and use of the prohibited substance Angel Dust has not affected the sales of our beef and cattle; and if measures, additional to those introduced in July, 1990, are necessary to bring the continuing abuse under control.
67 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedures which are in place in meat factories to identify meat which may have been treated with Angel Dust, especially in the light of the danger to people who consume such meat; if he has satisfied himself that these procedures are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
81 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give details of possible health hazards for human beings associated with the consumption of beef from cattle treated with Angel Dust.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 4, 67, and 81 together.
In July, 1990, I introduced regulations to deal specifically with the problem of beta-agonists and of any other illegal growth promoter which might be developed in the future.
Under these regulations the manufacture, importation, sale, possession and use of all unauthorised substances are prohibited. Additionally, veterinary inspectors in slaughtering facilities are empowered on suspicion to detain, test and examine any animal or meat. If the results of such testing confirm the presence of beta-agonists or any other illegal substance the animal or meat will be condemned. Following detection of an illegal substance an investigation is carried out at the farm of origin. This involves locking up the farm and testing the herd. If evidence of possession or use of illegal substances is detected legal proceedings will be instituted.
I launched an intensive campaign at farm level last November and since then 74 herds have been investigated of which ten were found to be using beta-agonists. Legal proceedings are in train against these herdowners. This campaign will be continued.
Random and suspicious testing of carcases at factory level over the past year under an EC approved plan has yielded negative results in all cases. I am therefore satisfied that meat containing residues of beta-agonists is not entering the food chain. On the question of safety of meat for human consumption it must be borne in mind that the active ingredient of Angel Dust — clenbuterol — may, in the form of an authorised veterinary medicine, be safely administered to food producing animals provided the correct dosage and withdrawal period are observed. Those most at risk are not consumers but persons using and handling Angel Dust.
My Department have not identified any decline in beef and cattle sales associated with the recent publicity regarding the availability and use of beta-agonists. However, there is no doubt but that widespread abuse of this substance will damage the reputation of our meat industry. I have made all sections of the industry aware of the vital national importance of protecting the quality and reputation of our beef on the markets and of my determination to take the most rigorous action against any irresponsible and unrepresentative elements who would attempt to use or encourage the use of these substances.
The tendency to use the illegal growth promoter known as Angel Dust is a very unwelcome problem. I have introduced stringent regulations to deal with the situation and I am determined to stamp this problem out.
The resolution of this problem is clearly within the control of the industry itself. It faces a clear choice as to whether it wishes to embark on the road of creating an industry dependent on the use of these substances. I am satisfied, and I think most people would agree with me, that it is not the direction in which we should go.
The confidence of consumers, the reputation of our beef industry and our access to vital export markets are at stake. They cannot be risked by the irresponsible action of a small group and I am taking the most stringent action to protect and maintain the quality and reputation of our beef on international markets.
I am satisfied that the measures which have been taken are adequate and, indeed, are more comprehensive than those applicable in other member states. I have been pressing for a harmonised Community approach on this issue, but, if at any stage the necessity for further measures becomes apparent, appropriate action will be taken.
I fully appreciate that this is a very delicate subject and that the use of this substance is very dangerous for the future of our beef industry. It is a case of greed overtaking commonsense and the national interest. Will the Minister provide additional resources and if necessary introduce legislation to make it non profitable for people who are using this substance to use it, because they will destroy the beef trade? Even the rate the Minister mentioned of ten out of 74 herds being affected by this growth promoter, is far too high. It may not affect our beef sales at the moment——
I shall have to move on to other questions if the Chair is not obeyed and regard had to Standing Orders in respect of dealing with priority questions.
——but it will affect them later.
I want to assure the Deputy, the House, the public and the consumer — without the consumer there is no profit for any farmer — that I am already putting those extra resources in place. The most rigorous action will follow when the prosecutions are taken. That in itself will be a major disincentive. The penalties we have put in place are very heavy indeed.
