Vol. 498 No. 5
33 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether it is appropriate to have the country of origin printed on all poultry products on sale here in order that consumers know what they are eating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27867/98]
The labelling of poultry meat is covered by the general EU labelling rules laid down in Council Directive 79/112/EEC of 18 December 1978 "on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer" as well as more specifically the provisions in Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1906/90 of 26 June 1990 and Commission Regulation (EEC) No. 1538/91 of 5 June 1991 on the marketing standards for fresh poultry.
Under this legislation, prepacked poultry imported from third countries for sale within the EU must bear an indication of the country of origin.
The legislation also provides that poultry meat which is packed within any member state of the EU must bear the registered number of the slaughterhouse or cutting plant on the packaging. It must also bear the initials of the member state in which the plant is located.
