It is disturbing that a quarter of a century after angel dust was an issue in our industry, some people would still condone the use of growth promoters and hope to get away with it.
On a positive side, it is reassuring that the authorities, through the combination of national surveillance and investigation, have identified the issue and are in the process of dealing with it. Due process will take its course but there should be a zero-tolerance policy where people are found guilty of illegal drug use. While it may be extremely rare, it can do reputational damage to the premium product that Irish beef now is in Europe, the US and many Asian countries.
Ban since 1988
Use of growth promoters in cattle has been banned in Europe since 1988. Yet for years afterwards, some farmers still thought they were OK to use. After all, growth promoting hormones are legal everywhere in the world outside Europe. That tolerance ceased here 25 years ago.
The reason for the ban at the time was much more related to the European “beef mountain” created by major oversupply, which was bought about by the EU under its market intervention programme.
This ceased after the McSharry reforms moved to direct farmer support, with an end to intervention buying of beef except in a total market collapse.
Precautionary principle
Even though beef production and consumption are close to balance in Europe, there has never been a will to consider the reintroduction of growth-promoting hormones in cattle. Under the EU precautionary principle, there is a belief that beef heavily treated with growth-promoting hormones can increase the risk of cancer.
While this may be disputed, the reality is that the EU does not have any tolerance for the use of growth promoters in cattle, in the same way that it has more demanding environmental and animal welfare standards than the rest of the world.
The law is unlikely to change anytime soon and, as a premium beef-producing country, we have to make the most of our image and anything involving the use of illegal growth promoters could damage this if not robustly dealt with.
An individual breaking the law
This is not an issue about beef production, but rather about an individual breaking the law – if the reports from DAFM about the find lead to a prosecution and conviction.
Since 1996, a total of 291 people have been convicted of offences under animal remedies legislation, with 75 people receiving custodial sentences (49 suspended) and fines totalling almost €0.95m imposed. During 2015, the courts convicted three people, with one person receiving a custodial sentence. Fines totalling €48,500 were imposed for offences relating to infringements in relation to veterinary medicines, according to the Department of Agriculture.
From this, it is clear that people who take a chance are being caught. For our ongoing good reputation, we should be glad that the system works.
Read more
Angel dust investigation started on farm
It is disturbing that a quarter of a century after angel dust was an issue in our industry, some people would still condone the use of growth promoters and hope to get away with it.
On a positive side, it is reassuring that the authorities, through the combination of national surveillance and investigation, have identified the issue and are in the process of dealing with it. Due process will take its course but there should be a zero-tolerance policy where people are found guilty of illegal drug use. While it may be extremely rare, it can do reputational damage to the premium product that Irish beef now is in Europe, the US and many Asian countries.
Ban since 1988
Use of growth promoters in cattle has been banned in Europe since 1988. Yet for years afterwards, some farmers still thought they were OK to use. After all, growth promoting hormones are legal everywhere in the world outside Europe. That tolerance ceased here 25 years ago.
The reason for the ban at the time was much more related to the European “beef mountain” created by major oversupply, which was bought about by the EU under its market intervention programme.
This ceased after the McSharry reforms moved to direct farmer support, with an end to intervention buying of beef except in a total market collapse.
Precautionary principle
Even though beef production and consumption are close to balance in Europe, there has never been a will to consider the reintroduction of growth-promoting hormones in cattle. Under the EU precautionary principle, there is a belief that beef heavily treated with growth-promoting hormones can increase the risk of cancer.
While this may be disputed, the reality is that the EU does not have any tolerance for the use of growth promoters in cattle, in the same way that it has more demanding environmental and animal welfare standards than the rest of the world.
The law is unlikely to change anytime soon and, as a premium beef-producing country, we have to make the most of our image and anything involving the use of illegal growth promoters could damage this if not robustly dealt with.
An individual breaking the law
This is not an issue about beef production, but rather about an individual breaking the law – if the reports from DAFM about the find lead to a prosecution and conviction.
Since 1996, a total of 291 people have been convicted of offences under animal remedies legislation, with 75 people receiving custodial sentences (49 suspended) and fines totalling almost €0.95m imposed. During 2015, the courts convicted three people, with one person receiving a custodial sentence. Fines totalling €48,500 were imposed for offences relating to infringements in relation to veterinary medicines, according to the Department of Agriculture.
From this, it is clear that people who take a chance are being caught. For our ongoing good reputation, we should be glad that the system works.
Read more
Angel dust investigation started on farm
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