Beef Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Questions (431)

Denis Naughten

Question:

431. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason beef grading machines only grade one side of the carcase if it is technically possible for mechanical grading machines to grade both sides of a carcase; if the current machines on trial can grade both sides of a carcase; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the fat score on a carcase can vary dramatically on both sides of a carcase resulting in a dramatically different payment to the farmer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17356/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The authorisation of a mechanical classification system is governed by EU legislation (COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2017/1182). The existing system of mechanical classification in Ireland was approved in 2002/03. This mechanical classification system was authorised to grade only one side of the carcase. While it is technically possible to grade both sides of a carcase, in the development of the existing system prior to 2002/2003, the German manufacturer, in consultation with the German Meat Research Institute, found that the difference between grading two sides versus one side was statistically insignificant.

It is accepted practice across Europe where mechanical classification systems are used that only one side of the carcase is graded.