Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1919. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle that have tested positive for clenbuterol in counties Cavan and Monaghan from 2016 to date; the way in which they came to the attention of inspectors; the details of the latest detection; the measures being taken to reassure farmers and consumers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33388/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2016, as part of routine testing at farm level under the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP) a single bovine animal tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. This was detected at a farm in Co. Monaghan. This matter is now before the Courts and it is therefore not appropriate for me to comment further.
The NRCP is an extensive surveillance programme aimed at detecting banned substances, such as growth-promoting hormones, residues of authorised veterinary medicines; approved animal feed additives and environmental contaminants in food of animal origin. The plan which is approved each year by the European Commission tests in the region of 19,000 samples per annum and is a key measure in assessing food safety and reassuring farmers and consumers. Samples are taken both on-farm and at factory/slaughterhouse.
As a supplementary measure to the NRCP, my Department implemented an enhanced testing programme for clenbuterol in 2016. This additional testing assessed the extent of clenbuterol use, both on-farm and at factory level and did not uncover any further positives.
