256 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he is taking to ensure that meant unfit for human consumption is not sold to the public in view of the failure of the Eastern Health Board to act on the recommendation of the chief veterinary officer of South Dublin County Council that legal action be taken against butchers and meat processors who have been in serious and persistent breach of food hygiene regulations. [3753/97]

The legal position is that a person shall not sell or supply meat for human consumption or for incorporation in a food for human consumption unless it bears a health mark in accordance with regulations made under (i) The Abattoirs Act, 1988, (ii) the Agriculture Produce (Fresh Meat) Acts, 1930 to 1988, or (iii) the Pigs and Bacon Acts, 1935 to 1988. My Department is responsible for the licensing of premises for the production of meat for human consumption and takes legal proceedings against any premises found operating illegally. The implementation of the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950-89, is the responsibility of the Minister for Health.