Brendan Howlin
Ceist:154 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the manner in which meat is distributed from vans by meat wholesalers to retailers and small butchers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Meat Distribution.
The Food Hygiene (Amendment) Regulations, 1989, (S.I. No. 62 of 1989) introduced stringent controls on the transport of foods in food vehicles and several of the provisions relate specifically to the handling and transport of meat.
In addition to the general requirements of structural and operational hygiene laid down for all food vehicles, vehicles used for the conveyance of meat must comply with the following provisions: the vehicles must display the words "meat vehicle" in letters at least 7.5 cm in height in a prominent position on the vehicle; the vehicle must not be used for any other purpose other than the transport of meat and meat products; food workers involved in the conveyance of meat must wear suitable apparel including covering for head, neck and shoulders when carcases, half carcases of quarters are being handled; all meat in carcases, half carcases or quarters must not be conveyed in a food vehicle unless it bears a health mark prescribed by the Minister for Agriculture and Food in accordance with the provisions of section 40 of the Abattoirs Act, 1988 (No. 8 of 1988); where cooked and uncooked meats are transported in the same food vehicle care must be taken to avoid cross contamination; and meat that is transported between an abattoir and a butcher's shop over a distance exceeding five miles must be transported at a specified temperature.
I am satisfied that these provisions of the food hygiene regulations on the transport of meat provide health boards with effective controls for ensuring that meat distributed from vans by meat wholesalers to retailers and small butchers is fit for human consumption.