Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 5

Written Answers. - Beef Quality Assurance.

Joan Burton

Question:

13 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to a study of mince meat and beef burgers in shops which showed that 2.8% of samples were contaminated with e.coli 1057:H7; the steps he intends to take to eliminate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20831/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I am aware of the surveillance study, undertaken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland into the presence of e.coli 1057:H7 in minced beef and beef burgers, to which the Deputy refers. Information campaigns and control systems are in place at all abattoirs to ensure the risks associated with e.coli 1057:H7 are addressed. Veterinary examination regulations made under the Abattoirs Act, 1998 were amended to include an additional condition under which the veterinary officer in charge of slaughter plants, including cattle slaughter plants, could reject livestock for slaughter on the basis of the condition of their hide, fleece or skin. A clean livestock policy was introduced in beef slaughter plants in 1998. The policy was accompanied by extensive advertising in the agricultural press and the display of colour posters in all district veterinary offices of the Department, marts and Teagasc offices. The purpose of the advertising and poster campaigns was to alert cattle farmers in particular to the introduction of the policy.

In 1999 a pilot carcase hygiene evaluation programme was undertaken in a number of plants. The purpose of the programme was to introduce a regime targeted specifically at the quality of carcase dressing in order to eliminate the problem of cross-contamination of carcases. The programme was subsequently implemented in all beef slaughter plants at the beginning of 2000. The programme is based on specific audit visits to beef slaughter plants by both regional and headquarters veterinary officers. The audit visits are in addition to the daily checks and carcase hygiene monitoring programmes undertaken in all slaughter plants by officers of my Department.

Some 50% of audits were unannounced in the initial stages of the programme, but this changed in 2001 when a policy of 100% unannounced audit visits was implemented. In 2002 regional and headquarters veterinary personnel are continuing the programme of unannounced carcase hygiene audits. Audit findings are backed up by specific corrective action and enforcement measures which are implemented where required, including reduction in slaughter throughput levels, enhanced slaughter and boning hall supervision, operative retraining and enhanced quality control measures to be implemented by plant management. Where evidence of potential food safety hazards are identified in slaughter or cut ting plants officers of my Department are empowered to and utilise the legal notice procedures under the European Communities (Fresh Meat) Regulations, 1997, which may involve the immediate suspension of meat production.

In spring 2002 and in anticipation of the implementation of Commission Decision 471/2001/EC, all slaughter plants were required to develop revised and updated standard operating procedures on slaughter hall and boning hall management. As part of its overall food safety strategy, my Department constantly monitors its ongoing programmes at meat plants to ensure that the protection of the consumer is safeguarded.