Day 100 - 09 Mar 95 - Page 49


     
     1   Q.   That is what it was then in America, anyway.  We can leave
     2        all those documents now, those two files.  Moving on from
     3        that, for the moment, McDonald's has -- you tell us, what
     4        is your position as regards hormonal growth promoters or
     5        hormone treatment for cattle that may be supplied to
     6        McDonald's?
     7        A.  As far as I am aware, hormone treatment or growth
     8        promoters are not used for any McDonald's beef products.
     9
    10   Q.   What is the reason for that?
    11        A.  I believe the reason is that some of these compounds
    12        are antibiotics and it is not desirable to have those in
    13        the food chain.
    14
    15   Q.   Why is that?
    16        A.  Well, mainly because of the resistance built up by
    17        bacteria.  If you are constantly using an antibiotic they
    18        will build up a resistance to it.
    19
    20   Q.   There is a possibility of transfer to the human -- the
    21        ability of resistance of the bacteria in the human gut?
    22        A.  When you start breeding a new strain of bacteria that
    23        is resistant to that drug.
    24
    25   Q.   The concern on that is that treatment resistant strains of
    26        bacteria may develop in the human body; is that the basic
    27        concern?
    28        A.  I believe so, yes.
    29
    30   Q.   What about actual hormone growth promoters, separate from
    31        exact growth promoters?
    32        A.  Again, McDonald's asks that none of the beef products
    33        or none of the cattle that go on to make our beef products
    34        are subjected to those hormonal treatments unless
    35        specifically prescribed by a vet or for treating a disease
    36        or something.
    37
    38   Q.   They would not get treated with hormonal ----
    39        A.  I do not know.  I am not a vet.
    40
    41   Q.   What is McDonald's concern, though, about hormonal
    42        treatment or hormonal growth promoters?  You have said, "We
    43        do not want those in our beef" but what is the reason?
    44        A.  I have not said that.  That is just a standard which
    45        I work to.
    46
    47   Q.   Do you know what the reason is?
    48        A.  I could not give you chapter and verse at all on the
    49        reasons behind that, no.
    50 
    51   Q.   Can you give any indication then for what the reason is? 
    52        A.  I could offer some suggestions, yes. 
    53
    54   Q.   You are in the quality department, so you must have a view
    55        on why your department is saying this to suppliers or
    56        whatever -----
    57
    58   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  It does not necessarily follow that he does.
    59        Ask him about it.
    60

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