FLY SPRAY ON MEAT

Press, Volume C, Issue 29507, 8 May 1961, Page 12

FLY SPRAY ON MEAT

“No Question Of Poison”

(NJ!. Press Association)

AUCKLAND, May 7. The public should realise that there was no question of any New Zealand meat delivered to America being poisoned* said Dr. I. J. Cunningham, deputy DirectorGeneral of Agriculture, before flying to the United States tonight for top-level talks after the suspected contamination of a beef shipment.

Dr. Cunningham told a reporter at Whenuapai: “The assumption among some members of the public that this meat was poisoned is entirely incorrect. “The suspected contamination by fly spray is not serious in itself. No-one would be harmed in any way by eating a normal amount of this meat. “One would have to consume enormous amounts for any possible ill effects to occur.”

Dr. Cunningham, who was accompanied by Mr J. W. de Gruchv. general manager of the Meat Board, said he would meet American officials in Washington so that there would be a speedy “face to face discussion” of the nroblem. "We are anxious to assure them that everything possible Is being done in NeviZealand to avoid this position in future,” said Dr. Cunningham. "Examination” He said he might examine some of the meat being held by the American authorities. “It has been said that the meat has been impounded but I think it is much more accurate to say that this meat has been held for examination.” he said. Dr. Cunningham said he believed the meat had been held after a spot check in America. *He said investigations were still being carried out in New Zealand to trace the source of the contamination. “I expect to receive further information about this from New Zealand while I am in America.” he said. “I think the Government and the Meat Board deserve a pat on the back for their prompt act’on in this case.”

Mr de Gruchy said they might be in America about a week He did not think the matter would take long to clear up.