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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 2

Written Answers. - Poultry Meat Imports.

Question:

108 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the tests carried out on poultry meat imported here between 1995 and to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29898/00]

Under EU residues legislation, third countries wishing to export animal products to the EU must satisfy the European Commission that their legislative frameworks and control regimes offer equivalent guarantees to those in place in the EU. In particular, third countries must furnish to the commission on an annual basis detailed residue monitoring plans, together with results of testing under such programmes. The commission also carries out inspection missions in third countries to verify implementation of control measures. Where the commission is not satisfied with the regime in place in a third country, its authorisation to export to the EU may be withdrawn.

Under an exercise conducted in 1999, 164 samples of poultrymeat imported from third countries into Ireland were tested for the presence of antibiotics. While under the 1999 salmonella programme, a total of 2726 samples were taken from poultrymeat of which 430 samples were taken from imported poultry meat in free circulation in the State.

Product which originates in the EU is subject to common standards and controls applicable across the community and under single market rules routine testing of such product is not provided for.

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