Meat plant classification machines ‘meet EU standards’

Checks conducted on classification machines in meat processing plants show that they continue to perform within the performance thresholds laid down in the European Union regulations.

Minister Simon Coveney gave the assurance to Fianna Fáil spokesperson Éamon Ó Cuív, TD, in a written reply to a Dáil question.

Mr Coveney said officials of his department have carried out regular inspections of meat plants since the introduction of mechanical grading.

This was to ensure that each grading machine continues to operate within the performance parameters as laid down in EU legislation.

Mr Coveney said a total of 402 inspections were conducted in 2013 with over 39,000 carcases checked.

During each inspection, the classification results allocated to beef carcases by the mechanical grading machines are downloaded onto a handheld computer by the inspector.

The performance of the machine is assessed in accordance with the performance criteria laid down in the relevant EU Regulations.