The Veterinary Department of Leitrim County Council carries out a broad range of duties relating to Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety. These duties include:
- Supervision of welfare and hygiene at slaughterhouses.
- Supervision of Food Safety Management systems at Meat Manufacturing premises, Slaughterhouses, Meat Distributors and small poultry producers.
- Sampling for Veterinary Residues, Process Hygiene and complinance with certain Microbiological criteria.
The service is provided under the terms of a Service Contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The most recent Service Contract came into effect on January 1st 2011 and provides for a five year term, ending on 31st December 2015.
Food Safety Legislation
The Veterinary Department is involved in implementing a wide range of National and E.U. Food Safety legislation as listed in Schedule I of the FSAI Service Contract and a list of relevant legislation may be viewed on www.fsai.ie
Slaughterhouses
There are currently seven slaughterhouses operating in County Leitrim. Ante and Post-Mortem inspections are carried out by Veterinary Inspectors on all animals slaughtered at these premises. All slaughtermen must hold a current slaughter licence from Leitrim County Council. Slaughter must be carried out hygienically and with minimum pain or stress to the animals. The Veterinary Department is responsible for supervising the slaughter process and ensuring the highest standards of hygiene before, during and after slaughter. Supervision of slaughtering is carried out to ensure compliance with legislative and Best Practice requirements. Ensuring the production of high-quality, wholesome, residue-free meat using the most up-to-date techniques available is a priority of Leitrim County Council.
Meat Processors
There are two Approved Meat Manufacturing Plants under the supervision of Leitrim County Council.
Both premises are located in The Food Hub, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim www.thefoodhub.com.
Lough Allen Foods manufactures a range of Ready-to-Eat meals, including Roast Beef, Roast Turkey and Ham, Roast Chicken, etc http://www.loughallenfoods.com
Carraig na Breac Smoked Foods manufactures a range of Traditional-Cured Smoked bacon products.
Meat Distributors
All meat distributors based within the county must register with Leitrim County Council. They are subject to regular inspection, and must fulfill a number of legislative requirements in relation to maintenance of premises, hygiene and product traceability. A guidance note outlining the basic legislative requirements in relation to structure, hygiene and HACCP for such operators can be supplied on request from Leitrim County Council.