I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 29 together. I appreciate the concern of Deputies who continue to raise the public health aspect of this matter. I want to say that the problem has been resolved satisfactorily by the Department. The cause and source of the contaminated cucumbers has been identified and appropriate action has been taken. It was an isolated incident and I am satisfied that Irish horticultural products coming on the market are, as they have always been, of the very highest quality. The regrettable incident has highlighted the importance for the utmost vigilance in terms of crop management. There was no avoidable delay within the Department in dealing with the complaint which was first received by the Department of Health.
On 25 May the pesticide unit in my Department was requested by the Dublin city analyst to take samples of cucumbers suspected of causing illnesses. As similar requests are received by the unit from time to time these cannot in themselves be taken as indicative of a widespread problem. These samples were received on the evening of 26 May and were tested for contamination by a range of pesticides. The results were conveyed to the Dublin city analyst on 27 May. No pesticide contamination had been identified at this stage. A joint statement from the Departments of Agriculture and Food and Health was issued on 29 May. No prosecutions are being planned by my Department in relation to the recent incidents.
Quality standards for fresh fruit and vegetables are laid down by EC regulations. Inspections are carried out by officers of my Department at all stages of the marketing chain in order to ensure that the statutory standards are being observed.
Maximum permitted levels of pesticide residues in fresh fruit and vegetables are statutorily prescribed in the European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Fruit and Vegetables) Regulations 1989, S.I. No. 105 of 1989. The maximum residue levels, fixed for the main range of pesticides sold for use on fruit and vegetable crops, are based on the results of detailed supervised residue trials. Full account is taken of the toxicological implications, and a strong emphasis is placed on safety factors for the consumer of the products.
The regulations apply to all produce on the market, whether home-produced or imported. In the event of an excess of pesticide residue being found, my Department have power to seize the produce or to restrict further sales from the same origin and/or to prosecute the person engaged in the sale. Department officials regularly inspect and take samples from consignments at wholesale and retail market levels. The results of testing over the years give no evidence of cause for concern about the safety to the consumer of fruit and vegetables.