Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if prosecutions have been initiated in relation to infringements of the food safety regulations concerning display and information on gas flushed chicken fillets and her views regarding the lack of public information on the safety of gas flushed chicken fillets and the handling of this product. [2500/11]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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All chicken fillets sold in Ireland must comply with the European Community's stringent food safety and labelling requirements. Food Business Operators are responsible for producing safe food and labelling safe food in compliance with food safety legislation. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in conjunction with its official agencies carries out official controls in retail butcher shops and supermarkets to ensure chicken fillets are labelled in accordance with the law and to ensure that the consumer is fully informed about the product they are buying and are not misled. The FSAI has produced guidance for industry, enforcement officers and the public regarding food labelling requirements. This information is available on the Authority's website. In addition, the Authority has advice available to consumers about safe handling practices for raw meat and poultry.

In 2010, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in conjunction with the HSE Environmental Health Service conducted a survey into the microbiological quality of raw chicken fillets that were distributed to butchers in gas flushed bulk packs and are sold loose to the consumer. The survey found that the majority of butchers (92%) stored chicken fillets at the recommended temperature of 5 degrees or cooler. 8% did not provide a use-by date as required. The results indicated that certain chicken fillets may be a cause for concern with respect to spoilage as the use-by date was unrealistically long for the product to remain unspoiled in the consumer's fridge. No prosecutions have been taken to date. Environmental Health Officers of the HSE followed up on non compliant samples with retailers and continue to monitor compliance.