Vol. 412 No. 6
83 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps his Department take to ensure that pigmeat marketed as being free range and chemical free is not from pigs treated with anti-biotics or appetite enhancers; if his attention has been drawn to newspaper reports (details supplied) of the operation of a firm in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the newspaper report in question.
It is understood that the firm referred to operates a private marketing system whereby pigmeat produced from pigs not treated with anti-biotics or appetite enhancers is sold under a distinguishing brand. It is further understood that as a result of a health problem in the pigs at one of the firm's supplying farms, anti-biotics have been introduced but that the meat from the pigs so treated is not marketed under this distinguishing brand.
My Department have no function in relation to controlling systems such as the one referred to. It is the responsibility of my Department to ensure that meat is produced in accordance with all relevant legislation including that relating to anti-biotics to ensure suitability for human consumption. Any question of misleading or inaccurate labelling would be a matter for the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
