asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) how many pig carcases have been condemned as unfit for human food during the 12 months ending December 31st, 1945; (b) whether any use was made of this condemned meat; (c) whether it is a fact that the blood from such pigs had been mixed with the blood from other animals for manufacture into foodstuffs for human beings before it was seen that the animals were diseased; and (d) whether it would be advisable to make regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Condemned Pig Carcases.
My Department is concerned only with the veterinary examination of pigs presented for examination under the Pigs and Bacon Acts, 1935 to 1940 and the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Acts, 1930 to 1938. During the 12 months ended the 31st December, 1945, the number of pig carcases rejected under the provisions of those Acts as unfit for human food was 691, equivalent to approximately 2 pigs per 1,000 examined. The carcases so rejected were disposed of for industrial purposes or denatured and used as fertilisers. There is no likelihood that the blood used for manufacture into human foodstuffs is a source of danger but the matter is being kept under observation.
Where does the blood go from the carcases?
I think it is true to say that none of these bacon factories use more than a portion of the blood for human food. A great deal of the blood is dried and used for protein food for animals and a good deal of it is used for fertilisers.
Will the Minister say whether the figures he has given include carcases portions of which have been condemned?
No; these are total condemnations.
Is it not true to say that a number of carcases are partially condemned?
Yes. Sometimes the organs are rejected and sometimes the head is rejected.
Mostly heads.