Walsh rejects claim of food risk to public health

AGRICULTURE MINISTER Joe Walsh yesterday rejected claims that he was putting consumer safety at risk.

The Civil and Public Services Union said the integrity of the food chain and the health of the consumer were at risk after Mr Walsh suspended cattle slaughter permit regulations in Kerry, Galway, Limerick and Mayo.

The union’s assistant general secretary Kevin Gaughren said the suspension means key checks with regard to ownership, registration, disease status and passport identity are no longer being carried out in the counties.