Thomas P. Broughan
Question:81 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will put in place a seamless process of food inspections from farm to fork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14069/01]
Written Answers - Food Safety Standards.
The overall food safety standards governing the production of food, including the requirements for inspection of food production processes, are set in EU legislation and have been transposed into national law. Additionally, in relation to quality standards, there are various schemes, many operated on a voluntary basis, which offer consumers standards above the minimum legally required.
Ireland, together with the other EU member states, is currently considering proposals published by the EU Commission to revise and consolidate Community legislation in relation to food hygiene along with the production, control and marketing of products of animal origin and animal health issues in relation to the production of those products. Among the objectives of the Commission for these proposals is to ensure that there is a legal basis for official controls throughout the food sector. In all, 17 directives dating back to 1964 will be revised in four proposed new regulations that will provide for hygiene of foodstuffs, hygiene of food of animal origin, animal health rules governing the production, marketing and importation of products of animal origin intended for human consumption and controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption.
My intention in negotiating these proposals is to ensure that the highest possible levels of public health protection apply to all food production.