Medical Journal Deplores Diseased Liver Exports

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28702, 27 September 1958, Page 7

Medical Journal Deplores Diseased Liver Exports

(New Zealand Press Association)

* • DUNEDIN, Sept. 26. ' An editorial in the latest issue Of the British Medical - Journal, the “Lancet,” deplores the importation of New Zealand livers, containing hydatid cysts, into Britain. 'The journal suggests that the ■ Ministry of Health insist on livers ' being processed in their country of origin. “In Britain, hydatids in man and domestic animals is relatively rare.

“It is important that this relative freedom from hydatids be preserved and we are, therefore, disturbed to learn that New Zealand livers containing hydatid cysts have been imported into this country, presumably for pharmaceutical purposes, or animal feeding. As many as 300 bags of liver have been imported in one week, and apparently up to 20 per cent, have been infected. “Even more disturbing is the report that many livers were being disposed of to retail butchers without mention of their diseased condition. It is obvious that small cysts embedded within the liver substance would not

readily be detected. “There seems to be no statutory bai to the importation, or sale, of these infected livers, provided they are not intended for human consumption. But the Ministry of Health, if it is satisfied that there is an urgent need in Britain for pharmaceutical products manufactured from animaj livers, might consider whether it would not be best to insist that the livers be processed in their country of origin.

“An even more serious gap in the public health law is that there is nothing to prevent a retail butcher exhibiting for sale as pet food, scraps and organs unfit for human consumption on the same stall as normal sound meat. “This undesirable practice seems to be growing, and there is urgent need for legislation to make it an offence.”

The journal says human hydatid disease has been heavily endemic in certain aeeas ©f the world, such as Iceland, New Zealand, Southern Australia, and parts of South America, where an intimate sheepdog-man relationship prevails.