asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is satisfied with the level of antibiotic residues detected in milk supplies to creameries and pasteurised milk processing plants; and if it is intended to introduce a standardised national system for antibiotic testing of milk and milk products.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Testing.
2.
As the controls which are operated by most creameries and pasteurising plants are effective, it is not proposed to introduce an official testing system for the presence of antibiotic residues in milk. I am, however, keeping the position about the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry under review.
Do the local veterinary officers have responsibility in the matter of enforcement of regulations in this respect?
Antibiotic control as far as milk is concerned is operated by the creameries themselves. The Deputy will know that it is very necessary for the creameries for their own purposes to control the kind of antibiotic used in the treatment of mastitis and the creameries exercise their own screening mechanism for this and other residues in milk.
Would I be correct in reading what the Minister has stated as indicating that there is no statutory provision at all in this matter?
That is right.