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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 4

Written Answers. - Food Safety.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

169 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself as to the adequacy of food health and hygiene standards with particular reference to guarding against foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6245/01]

There are minimal risks to human health from the virus that causes foot and mouth disease in animals and this disease cannot be transmitted through the food chain. Foot and mouth disease is an animal health issue and the current controls in place are the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

Only in extremely rare cases is the disease transmitted to humans and in such cases it can only be passed on by close physical contact with an infected animal. Humans are only rarely infected by handling a diseased animal and infection is only temporary and mild. People do not become infected by eating meat from infected animals.

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