asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of samples of milk for domestic consumption examined for (1) highest grade; (2) pasteurised milk, and (3) loose unpasteurised milk; further, if he will state the number in each category found unsuitable for human consumption and also indicate the method used for determining suitability or otherwise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Examination of Milk Supplies.
Mr. Walsh
As the reply is in the form of a statistical statement, I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it for printing in the Official Report.
The following is the statement:—
NUMBER OF SAMPLES OF MILK FOR DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION TAKEN, METHODS OF TESTING USED, AND NUMBER WHICH FAILED TO PASS TESTS.
|
Category |
Nature of Test |
No. of Samples tested |
No. of Samples that failed test |
|
Highest Grade Milk |
Bacillus Coli Test |
475 |
100 |
|
Methylene Blue Test |
473 |
91 |
|
|
Pasteurised Milk |
Plate Count Test |
729 |
147 |
|
Phosphatase Test |
589 |
52 |
|
|
*Loose Unpasteurised milk |
Plate Count Test |
785 |
122 |
|
Microscopic Test |
744 |
130 |
|
|
Biological Test |
209 |
9 |
|
|
Cultural and Serological Tests |
32 |
— |
|
|
Minit dirt Test |
4,070 |
254 |
*Includes a small number of samples of bottled unpasteurised milk.
The figures for the Bacillus Coli and Methylene Blue Tests relate to 1951; the figures for the remaining tests relate to the latest available year, viz., 1950.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether instructions were given last October to the veterinary inspectors employed by the Cork Corporation to cease taking samples of milk for "bacterial count" pending a revision of the method of examination; and, if so, if he will indicate what action is being taken at present to ensure a clean milk supply for Cork City.
Mr. Walsh
On the advice of the Minister for Health regarding the use of the plate count test for milk, my Department informed the Cork Corporation and all other local sanitary authorities last October that it was not advisable that in future, legal proceedings against dairymen should be based on that particular test. I understand that the Minister for Health has had under consideration the question of a suitable alternative bacteriological test in that connection. No other change was made in the arrangements for ensuring a clean milk supply in Cork City or elsewhere, and the local sanitary authorities were advised that special attention should be devoted to improving and extending the existing arrangements.
Then they have got an instruction not to take any samples?
Mr. Walsh
They were circularised last October as to the measures they were then supposed to take.