Under
meat hygiene regulations, farm animals are visually inspected before and after
they are slaughtered for human consumption, including for signs of drug administration.
The
Meat Inspection
Scheme provides for inspectors to sample carcases suspected of containing non-compliant residues, on
the basis of:
- Animal treatment history
- Information
received
- Ante mortem inspection
- Post mortem inspection
For
example, the meat inspector may find an unexplained injection site in a carcase. Samples are tested
for antibiotics and for two classes of growth promoter (hormones and beta agonists), and for other agents
if requested. The carcases are detained pending laboratory results, (target: 95% of the results to be
reported within 5 working days), in order to remain within the products' shelf lives. The carcass is
condemned if a non-compliant residue is confirmed in it, and the producer may face prosecution. A field
follow-up investigation is carried out by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)
Veterinary Service, which – coupled to intensified testing by the laboratory - assists in identifying
the cause of any non-compliant residues. The Meat Inspection Scheme is used, with great effect, to reduce
and eliminate hormone and ß-agonist abuse from food production in Northern Ireland.
