asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions on which samples of food and drink were taken for sampling by health inspectors to ensure that they are of the stated quality, nature and substance, or that they do not contain contaminants; if such inspections take place only on foot of complaints or on a routine basis; and the number of prosecutions which have been brought in the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available.
Written Answers. - Food and Drink Samples.
180.
Samples of food and drink are taken on a routine basis under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, to determine if they are of the stated quality, nature and substance and under the Health Act, 1947, to check whether or not they contain contaminants. Samples are also taken following complaints from the public.
In 1977 the total number of samples taken was 5,659. Prosecutions are taken by the individual health boards and the information sought by the Deputy is being collected. I will communicate it to him shortly.