Mary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)

Much of the testing is done by automated equipment but, in addition, standard Gerber procedures apply to butter fat testing. The SOPs provide that checks are also made on the accuracy of results from samples already tested by the automated equipment. At least twice a year, therefore, a minimum of ten samples are selected and tested. Some smaller establishments do not have automated equipment and they rely entirely on the Gerber method to determine fat content. In those cases, the inspectorate carries out its own Gerber test, on site, on samples already tested by management. Although the SOP is relatively new, the checking regime has been in operation for a considerable number of years. The validation testing of butter fat levels is already in place but we are talking about extending it to protein so we will have the same level of testing as for butter fat. I note the Deputies' concerns and we will ensure there will be sufficient safeguards concerning the independent validation process, which will be in place in a matter of months.

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