Pat Upton
Question:30 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has satisfied himself that all Irish meat products are free of angel dust; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Testing for Angel Dust.
Pat Upton
Question:44 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his views on whether the present levels of testing of meat samples for the presence of angel dust are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 44 together.
The number of random tests for clenbuterol (41,187 or 2.9 per cent of cattle slaughtered) carried out in 1993 on animal material taken from slaughterhouses was considerably in excess of the testing levels required by EU legislation. In addition, samples were also tested from any carcase in which the presence of clenbuterol was suspected. I am satisfied as a result of this extensive testing and the other measures which I have put in place, including the setting up of a special investigation unit in my Department and a substantial increase in the level of fines and duration of prison sentencing for offences, that the testing levels are adequate and that Irish meat products are among the safest in the European Union.