Jan O'Sullivan
Question:94 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will introduce a licensing system for food production units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14070/01]
Written Answers - Food Safety Standards.
The overall food safety standards governing the production of food, including the licensing of specified food production premises, are set in EU legislation and have been transposed into national law.
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. 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.
As it is currently drafted, the Commission's proposal on hygiene of foodstuffs will impose a requirement on all food business operators, from primary production up to and including presentation or supply to the final consumer, to ensure that all establishments under their control are registered with the competent authority. Where the member state considers it necessary approval of food business establishments will be required. My intention in negotiating these proposals is to ensure that the highest possible levels of public health protection apply to all food production.