Bernard Allen
Question:27 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, he has taken, by legislation, to deal with the increasing problem of E-Coli 0157 which is often caused by dirty cattle. [23183/97]
Written Answers. - Meat Processing.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:33 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department will make grant aid available, as a matter of urgency, to meat processing plants for the purchase of the necessary equipment and staff training for the safe removal of dirt from the carcases of animals for slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23335/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 33 together.
I am aware of the necessity to ensure that only clean cattle are presented for slaughter. Therefore, I intend shortly to sign regulations to extend the grounds under which a veterinary inspector may declare an animal to be unfit for slaughter for human consumption to include the condition of the hide of an animal.
Under the criteria drawn up to implement the legislation, cattle will be scored into five categories based on the cleanliness of the hide ranging from category one (Ideal) to category five (Reject). The carcase dressing procedures which will apply are being circulated to the Department's staff at the meat plants and to factory management — the position in regard to category five is that the cattle will be rejected for slaughter and returned to their premises of origin. This issue has been discussed with representatives of the meat processors and with the farm organisations.
I have no plans to introduce a grant scheme to provide equipment and to train meat plant staff. The operation of good hygiene practices is a fundamental requirement for the operation of a meat processing plant both in the context of public health and marketability of the product and the appropriate training of staff is a matter for the industry itself.