Fergus O'Dowd
Question:196 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to provide for independent milk testing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32715/06]
View answerTuesday, 17 October 2006
Questions (122, 123)
Pat Breen
Question:214 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to provide for independent milk testing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32729/06]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 214 together.
My Department already conducts regular checks on the results of butter fat testing carried out by milk processors. It also checks the calibration of the instruments used in milk processing establishments for measuring the fat and protein levels in milk collected from producers. My Department also monitors the instrument used in measuring somatic cell levels in milk delivered to processors.
In addition my Department conducts random administrative checks to ensure that the results of butter fat and protein tests are correctly transcribed into the calculation of the milk price paid to the producer. Any further development of an independent milk testing is a matter for the industry itself.
Question No. 197 answered with QuestionNo. 152.