Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
101 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if any terrestrial animal bone particles were discovered in samples of feed material since 1 January to 31 May; if so, the locations at which these tests were carried out; and if the relevant laboratories are EU approved. [20177/04]
View answer112 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of samples of feed material that were tested for terrestrial animal bone particles during the period 1 January to 31 May; and the percentage and number from imports and native produce. [20176/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 112 together.
From 1 January to 31 May there were 435 samples of feed material tested for the presence of terrestrial bone particles and none were found. Of these 402 related to imported consignments and 33 related to native products.
The samples were analysed for the presence of processed animal proteins either at my Department's seed testing station or at a contracted laboratory. Both of the laboratories are on the designated list submitted to the EU as part of the annual inspection plan.
Controls on the distribution and use of feed materials and compound feedstuffs, including sampling and testing for the presence of terrestrial bones particles, that indicate the possible presence of processed animal proteins are critical to the success of the national effort to contain and eliminate diseases such as BSE from the national herd and thus reduce risks to public health. Any failures in this regard hold the potential to undermine progress made to date and to negate the time, money and effort that various interested parties, not least the taxpayer, have committed to this end over recent years.
I am satisfied the feedstuffs control plan operated by the Department ensures effective control on the safety of feed materials entering the feed chain.
