Cow cubicle matting confirmed as source of chemical milk contamination

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found elevated levels of PBDEs in a raw milk sample from a farm in Co Cork while carrying out routine monitoring for environmental contaminants in 2010.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame-retardant chemicals that are added to plastics and foam products to make them difficult to burn.

In a statement to the Irish Farmers Journal, the Department of Agriculture confirmed that old cubicle matting was the source of the contamination.

“Working closely with the FSAI and the EPA, the Department has identified a particular old cow cubicle matting, made from recycled conveyer belt material, as the source of the substance identified in this case. Animals are out on grass at present and the matting is being removed. The FSAI has confirmed there is no risk to public health from this isolated incident," they said.

Caution

The Department said that farmers should exercise caution across all aspects of their farm business, to ensure that livestock or animal feed does not come in contact with materials not designed for on farm use, which may be injurious to the animals themselves or have potential implications for the food chain:

"Farmers should adhere to strict protocols when disposing of items such as old batteries, herbicide, farm disinfectant, animal medicine containers or out of date products. Examples of other items which should be avoided for farm use are intermediate bulk carriers (IBCs) and containers used in other areas of industry, as they may potentially contain very small residues of products not permitted in the animal feed or human food chain.

"Care should also be taken to ensure that animals do not have access to items such as old disused vehicles or metal which could potentially be painted with lead paint."

The EPA provides a collection service to farmers wishing to dispose of potentially hazardous material.

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Cubicle mats linked to chemical milk contamination