Bernard Allen
Question:311 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he proposes to take to deal with the planned clamp down by the European Community with regard to milk containing high somatic cell counts.
Written Answers. - Milk Hygiene Standards.
EC Directive 92/46 sets common hygiene standards which will apply to all milk sold within the European Community with effect from 1 January 1994. Among these standards is a maximum somatic cell count. I have taken measures to ensure that Irish dairy farmers are aware of this standard and of the measures which, if need be, they should take to meet it.
In the negotiations leading to the adoption of this Directive, I succeeded in having specific provision made for the possibility of special criteria for the measurement of somatic cell levels where, as in Ireland, the seasonal pattern of production affects those levels. Detailed arrangements for the application of this special provision are at present being considered in my Department, in consultation with the industry, with a view to their adoption at EC level.