Trevor Sargent
Question:65 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether meat plants and abattoirs are required to subject carcases to tests for E.coli 0-157; and, if not, the reason for this. [6094/98]
Written Answers - E.coli Testing.
Trevor Sargent
Question:66 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether tests for E.coli 0-157 are mandatory in poultry processing units; and, if so, the nature and extent of these tests. [6095/98]
Trevor Sargent
Question:67 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether tests for E.coli and salmonella are mandatory in poultry processing units; and, if so, the nature and extent of these tests. [6096/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 66 and 67 together.
The hygiene and public health requirements in the plants referred to by the Deputy for which my Department has responsibility are set down in EU legislation. The legislation does not provide specifically for E.coli testing. However, there is a general requirement on the operators of the plants to observe general hygiene standards which are such as to prevent E.coli contamination. There is also a legal obligation on the operators to carry out microbiological testing of product to ensure that it is fit for human consumption.
I have recently published regulations under the Abattoirs Act, 1988, which prevent the sale to slaughter plants of cattle which fail to meet the minimum standards of cleanliness. The purpose of this measures it to reduce the risk of E.coli and salmonella contamination within the plant.
I have also provided funded this year for a wide ranging E.coli testing programme at all levels throughout the beef industry. This testing is being targeted during the period of increased risk.
As regard salmonella, my Department implements a testing programme in the poultry plants under its control.