Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 5

Written Answers. - E.coli Infection.

Liz McManus

Question:

36 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, being taken to control the level of E.coli infection in cattle and meat on sale, particularly minced meat, having regard to the findings of the "Prime Time" programme of 5 November 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23103/98]

Michael Ring

Question:

116 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself with the safety controls through the food production chain on the prevention of the E.coli 0157; the hygiene and safety controls and precautions implemented by his Department to limit the chances of E.coli 0157 being passed through the food chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23361/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 116 together.

The hygiene and public health requirements in the meat plants for which my Department has responsibility are set down in EU legislation. The legislation does not specifically provide for E.coli testing. There is, however, a general requirement on the operators of these plants to observe general hygiene standards which are such as to prevent E.coli contamination. There is also a legal obligation on operators to carry out microbiological testing of product to ensure that it is fit for human consumption. In addition, the Abattoirs Act 1988 Veterinary Examination (Amendment) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 6 of 1998) prevent the sale to slaughter plants of livestock which fail to meet minimum standards of cleanliness and thus reduce the risk of E.coli contamination within the plant.

Having regard to the risks associated with E.coli 0157, my Department, in early 1998, organised a wide-ranging E.coli testing programme in beef export plants. The results of this testing have confirmed the effectiveness of the measures already in place. I am satisfied, in the light of the controls implemented by my Department and the results of that testing programme to date, that any risks involved have been minimised. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the findings of the "Prime Time" programme of 5 November related to retail outlets which do not come under the control of my Department.