Ireland needs better pork traceability

Ireland needs a better pork traceability system to avoid a repeat of last year's recall of contaminated Irish pork, as the current system is deemed as ineffective, according to a report by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

 

The report arises from the committee's examination of the impact and consequences of the dioxin contamination of Irish pork products late last year, and was compiled following consultation with a range of interested parties from relevant sectors.

 

The committee specifically examined the effectiveness of the existing traceability system, the monitoring of the licensed feed premises, the proportionality of the response and the way forward for the industry.

 

The report found that an effective traceability system would have facilitated a recall of contaminated product only, but the current system led to a 100-percent recall for a 10 percent contamination rate in last year's dioxin case.

 

The absence of an effective system meant that taxpayers could end up paying financial aid to processors for pork which is not of Irish origin, the report said.

 

The committee suggested there should be only one agency for both food and animal feed, as the numerous agencies responsible for food safety operating under service level agreements with the FSAI are not satisfactory. 

 

The remit of the FSAI should be extended to cover the feed chain, the committee said.

 

The report said it is unacceptable that the food recycling plant at the centre of the contamination incident was not inspected at all in 2008, and that a pilot study should be conducted of a batch recall of Irish pigs and a report compiled on the study to assess its feasibility.

 

The committee noted that producers must receive compensation in a timely fashion, and financial aid to artisan producers must be fast-tracked as this sector can effect full traceability.

 

The committee also condemns the practice of some retailers who have attempted to seek compensation from producers for loss of profit as well as cost of product recalled.

 

The report will be given to the Minster for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Brendan Smith for his consideration and to advise him on any future action in this area.