Day 094 - 01 Mar 95 - Page 36


     
     1        A.  Yes, we could.
     2
     3   Q.   You said that in the past if the E.coli came back positive
     4        you could still use the meat, when did the actual testing
     5        come in?
     6        A.  We have been testing -----
     7
     8   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  You said about eight years ago, having got
     9        the research for a test and found a test after Oregon.  You
    10        said that you started testing and you have been doing it
    11        for about eight years?
    12        A.  Yes.
    13
    14   MS. STEEL:  Sorry, the question that I initially asked was about
    15        until 1992 the inspectors in red meat plants did not test
    16        for microbiological contamination?
    17        A.  That is correct.
    18
    19   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Is that right?  I thought you said that they
    20        did test, but whatever the result, they could still use it.
    21        A.  I am sorry, yes.
    22
    23   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  In 1992, before the government regulations
    24        changed, you made it a requirement that they could not use
    25        it.  Have I completely misunderstood?
    26
    27   MS. STEEL:  That was in relation to E.coli.
    28
    29   THE WITNESS:  You perfectly understood it.  What they were
    30        testing, but it was not for regularitory reasons.  They
    31        were testing to build a base line of information so they
    32        can make decisions and compare in the future.  But they
    33        were testing it themselves, but not to make any decisions.
    34
    35   MS. STEEL:  Pass or failure?
    36        A.  Yes.
    37
    38   Q.   Was that just for E.coli or was that for all sorts of
    39        bacteria?
    40        A.  No, that is for several bacteria.
    41
    42   Q.   So that would just be, what, occasional sampling to build
    43        up a picture?
    44        A.  That is correct.
    45
    46   Q.   But now since 1992 it is tested routinely?
    47        A.  That is correct.
    48
    49   Q.   It is only for E.coli that it would not be allowed to be
    50        used? 
    51        A.  At this time, it is.  The US DA has come in with its 
    52        intentions to include Salmonella too, but it is only a 
    53        developing phase right now.
    54
    55   Q.   Is that the same for McDonald's plants?
    56        A.  The same, sorry?
    57
    58   Q.   You would only reject it for E.coli bacteria?
    59        A.  That is correct, at this point, yes.  That may vary --
    60        that is in the US -- it may vary in some countries.

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