Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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336. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is confident bute has not entered the food chain given the microchipping situation reported in a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27839/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Sampling for Phenylbutazone in equines presented for slaughter is carried out in accordance with Ireland’s National Residue Control Program which is notified annually to the European Commission.

If Phenylbutazone is detected in one of these samples then official control procedures would immediately be initiated. These controls ensure that all the meat of the affected carcase would be removed from the food chain.

In 2024 there were 20 samples taken, none of which were positive. Furthermore no equines from Shannonside Foods have entered the food chain since 15/05/2024. The 65 carcases detained following investigation into concerns relating to traceability and food chain information have been removed from the food chain.