Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 8

Written Answers. - Contaminated Carcase.

Theresa Ahearn

Ceist:

224 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give the reason a farmer (details supplied) in County Tipperary was not informed before the carcase was sent to the skip that an animal was condemned at a factory in County Tipperary (details supplied); the reason the questions raised in correspondence with his Department have not been answered; if he has satisfied himself with this procedure which denied this farmer an opportunity to defend the case; if this procedure is contained in the relevant rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The veterinary inspector on duty advised the procurement officer for the factory at 11.30 a.m. approximately on 1 May 1992, that the carcase in question was positive for antibiotics.

The owner of the animal telephoned the veterinary inspector on duty at 2.15 p.m. approximately on that day. During that conversation the veterinary inspector explained that the animal was positive for antibiotics and would have to be condemned.

Subsequently, the veterinary inspector confirmed (at 3.00 p.m. approximately) the positive result with the laboratory. The carcase was then formally condemned and denatured by the veterinary inspector. Some time later the factory management were asked to convey the carcase to the skip thus removing it from the food chain, The precise time the carcase went to the skip is not on record.

The sample taken for analysis was from an injection site located on the hindquarter of the animal. The laboratory result was conveyed orally in the first instance and was subsequently conveyed in writing.

The questions raised in correspondence with the Department by the owner of the animal have been answered in accordance with the information available to the Department. I am satisfied that the procedure followed was in accordance with the relevant legislation.