Vol. 512 No. 5
64 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will make a statement on reports that cooked beef (details supplied) exported to Russia contained 98% pork in spite of the fact that it was passed and approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26466/99]
The product to which the Deputy refers was produced by the manufacturer for export to Russia. The company has informed my Department that, in the event, it did not export all of the product to Russia and the non exported quantity, which had passed its use by date, was sold on the domestic market for use as pet food.
As regards the meat content of the cans put up for sale as pet food, samples were analysed by the State Laboratory at the request of my Department. The analysis shows that the cans contain a total meat content of 46.6% by weight. The Laboratory has indicated that because of the method of preparation of this product which involves high pressure and temperature treatment it is not possible for it to determine which type of meat is predominant in the sample nor can it reliably determine the percentage meat by species in this cooked product.
The labelling of products and issues relating to retail sale are primarily matters for the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and for the appropriate health board.
