Written Answers. - Use of Clenbuterol.
Eoin Ryan
Question:
122
Mr. E. Ryan
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry
if his attention has been drawn to recent newspaper reports on the widespread abuse of angel dust in cattle production with the consequent risk to consumers; and the measures, if any, he proposes to take to eliminate this practise.
[4113/96]
I am aware of media reports since the weekend some of which, without regard for the facts, made allegations that there has been an increase in the use of clenbuterol, also called angel dust, in Irish beef or more extremely that Irish beef is "laced with angel dust". The poistion is far different from what these uninformed reports would lead people to believe.
Ireland, under EU rules, carries out an intensive random sampling programme for illegal substances, including clenbuterol. In addition, officers of my Department carry out investigations at points of distribution, at meat factories and on the farms of suspected abusers. The level of surveillance in Ireland far exceeds the targets set by the EU. The methods in place have resulted in the Irish beef industry being subjected to a level of surveillance unmatched in Europe with a view to protecting public health and increasing consumer confidence in Irish beef. As a result of investigations into the use of clenbuterol, crininal proceedings have been instituted against 78 persons, files in respect of nine others have been forwarded to the office of the Chief State Solicitor with a view to instituting legal proceedings and a further three cases are being investigated by my Department.
Contrary to what was said in one newspaper report, neither I nor my Department are reluctant to talk about this issue. Rather, I wish to highlight the progress that is being made in tackling the use of angel dust. The systems I have outlined are in place to protect the public. Irish beef is a high quality product and the small minority who are involved in the use of clenbuterol are being, and will be, pursued with the full rigours of the law. I would urge farmers and members of the wider community to provide to my Department or the Garda any information they may have on distributors and users of angel dust. All information received will be treated in strictest confidence.
Following is a copy of a press release issued today announcing the introduction of additional measures aimed at eradicating the illegal use of growth promoting substances.
New Measures Introduced on Illegal Growth Promoting Substances.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Mr Ivan Yates TD, referring to recent statements alleging widespread use of illegal growth promoters, assured consumers that these allegations were unsubstantiated by factual evidence. While the results of his Department's comprehensive surveillance and monitoring programmes confirmed that there were abuses, this activity was limited to an unrepresentative minority of farmers. "The number of animals testing positive for illegal substances has declined in recent years" the Minister stated. Last year, 637 animals/carcases were confirmed as positive to illegal substances out of a total of 84,500 animals which were sampled. This is a reduction of 50 per cent on 1994.
Minister Yates said he wanted to leave consumers in no doubt about his efforts to stamp out the scourge of illegal drugs. He was, therefore, announcing the introduction of the following additional stringent measures aimed at eradicating the illegal use of growth promoting substances.
New Legislation
Legislation will be introduced to enable the results of sampling carried out in individual meat factories to be published. The aim of this measure is to make the operators of meat factories subject to public scrutiny in relation to the controls they exercise regarding the purchase and slaughter of animals after 1 March, 1996. It is intended that this development will encourage a greater level of self-regulation in the meat industry.
Confidential Hotline
A confidential hotline service is being introduced to cover growth promoters. People who are in any way suspicious or have information relating to such criminal activities may telephone 1-850-245900 where their reports will be treated with total confidence. A poster campaign, aimed at District Veterinary Offices, Garda Stations, marts and meat factories is under preparation to highlight this initiative.
Extra Laboratory Facilities
The facilities for laboratory analysis are being expanded with additional testing being carried out by Teagasc and other private laboratories. All authorised officers, in particular the Department's Special Unit, will continue to focus their activities on the identification and institution of criminal proceedings against suppliers and users of illegal substances. The monitoring and surveillance on persons suspected of using illegal substances will be intensified.
Traceability of Animals
The Minister said that because of the strict measures he was imposing certain individuals may be tempted to use fictitious names. There will, therefore, be a review of the measures relating to the traceability of animals.
The Minister also stated that he has written to the Consumers Association asking them to substantiate the recent comments made by the Chairman of their strategy group regarding the level of abuse of clenbuterol and added that any new evidence or leads received from the Consumers Association would be expeditiously acted upon.
"Ireland has the strictest legislation and the most extensive screening system of any country in Europe. Irish beef is an excellent product and compares with the best in the world. The new measures announced today on top of an already strict regime of testing and penalties were to reassure consumers as to the quality of Irish beef," the Minister concluded.
22 February 1996.
Note for the Editor
The Animal Remedies Act, 1993, provides wide ranging powers for authorised officers to enter, inspect, detain, sample and seize evidence where contravention of the Act or Regulations made thereunder is suspected. In addition to the severe financial and custodial penalties provided under the Animal Remedies Act, 1993 (the maximum penalty under the Act is a fine of £250,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment), a Court may order the destruction of illegally treated animals and prohibit a person from being involved in the production of animals or dealing in pharmaceutical products for a specified period which may extend to the life of the person convicted.
