Written answers

Tuesday, 20 March 2018

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Livestock Issues

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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697. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the engagement between his Department and meat factories and other stakeholders in recent weeks with regard to resolving the difficulties that have arisen as a result of his Department's introduction of a clean livestock policy for sheep; if on-site shearing services will be arranged by his Department with factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11953/18]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter.  My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders.  The policy document was finalised in February 2017.  This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces.

The cleanliness of a fleece is related to the farming practices from where the sheep originates as well as being influenced by the stakeholders along the supply chain. All stakeholders can influence the cleanliness of the sheep fleece.

Teagasc has produced “A Guide for Sheep Producers”, which sets out key advisory recommendations for sheep producers to assist them in the production of sheep with fleece that are suitable for slaughter for human consumption, a copy of this guide was issued to all registered flock-owners along with the 2017 sheep census forms in early December 2017. My Department has also written to all sheep farmers and transporters directly. Full details regarding the policy are available on the Department's website

The production of sheep meat suitable for human consumption is the primary objective and responsibility of the food business operator in line with food legislation. Each food business operator must draw up procedures to demonstrate how they achieve this.  This involves a fleece evaluation and actions, as necessary, to ensure cleanliness of the fleece prior to slaughter.

My Department oversees the production of sheep meat to ensure that it meets the standards necessary for consumers and our trading partners.

The need for an effective clean livestock policy is regarded as being very important not just in terms of basic food safety, but also as a reputational issue for Ireland’s meat industry and our export trade.  Our clean livestock policy is vital for the protection of the consumer and to protect our export markets.

During all stages of the drafting of the Clean Livestock Policy for Sheep my Department undertook a consultation process with stakeholders who were invited to attend meetings and put forward proposals. My Department has actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders since  the introduction of the policy including meetings with representatives of the farming organisations and meat plants to discuss issues as they arise.

The onus is on food producers to ensure that only clean sheep fit for slaughter are sent to meat plants.  Sending dirty sheep to slaughter increases the contamination risk from harmful bacteria. Dirty sheep risk our valuable sheep and fleece markets. My Department has publicised  the requirements for primary producers to ensure that animals being sent for slaughter are clean, and provides guidance in that regard. Actions have also included publication of articles in the farming press, production of leaflets (in tandem with Teagasc) and mailshots to producers.

Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 states that - Food business operators rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures, as appropriate and as far as possible to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter.

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