Written answers

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Food Safety Standards

Photo of Michael CollinsMichael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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394. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the report carried out by a person (details supplied) proves that it is safe for horses to enter the food chain, providing the 28-day blood test prior to slaughter has been carried out with positive results; and if this blood test is adequate in this regard. [38313/16]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The slaughter of horses for food for human consumption is subject to strict EU regulatory requirements, including requirements in relation to horse identification and use of medicinal products.

Exposure in 2013 of the problem of adulteration of beef products with horse meat, which was due in large measure to the vigilance of testing and control systems applied in Ireland, has resulted in greater emphasis being placed on detection of food fraud and improved consumer protection across the EU. Controls have been enhanced at both EU and national level to mitigate the chance of any recurrence. This is a major reputational issue for the food sector generally and the meat trade in particular. In the light of this recent history, there are no current legislative proposals within the EU to allow horses be slaughtered for entry into the food chain beyond those which are allowed currently, whether on foot of blood tests or other means.

In relation specifically to the use of medicinal products in animals destined to enter the food chain it should be noted that this is strictly governed by both EU and national legislation with a requirement to test for these substances as part of our National Residues Control Plan. Some medications have no maximum permitted residue limits set and thus there is no scientific basis on which meat from animals in which these have been used can be considered safe. Additionally, where there has been treatment with certain specific equine medications the passport must be endorsed by the veterinarian administering the medication and there is a minimum six month period before the animal can be slaughtered for human consumption. My Department, based on current scientific knowledge, ensures that EU legislation in this regard is implemented in full and in doing so ensures that there is full consumer confidence in what is permitted to enter the food chain.

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