Joe Walsh
Ceist:142 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of positive samples of avian and mammalian meat and bone detected in animal feed compounds since 1 January 1997, to date. [10934/97]
Written Answers. - Animal Feed Compounds.
Traces of either avian or mammalian meat and bone meal were found in nine samples of animal feed taken at mills and stores since 1 January 1997 to date. Of these, two were found in animal feeds manufactured in and imported from Northern Ireland. The microscopic test is extremely sensitive and detects the presence of bone fragments. In all the 1997 cases, the level of bone found has been extremely low and confirms that no deliberate contamination has taken place. However, these cases are currently being investigated by my Department and appropriate action will be taken if it is established that mammalian meat and bone meal is involved.