Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 1

Written Answers. - Food Safety.

John Bruton

Question:

95 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if antibiotics used in treating humans are still permitted to be used as feed additives in animal products in the United States of America; if this has an implication for the safety of consumers here of US originating food products; and if he will take steps to have such products removed from the Irish market. [15463/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I am making inquiries as to whether antibiotics used in treating humans are permitted to be used as feed additives in animal products in the USA. Any third country wishing to trade with the EU is obliged to provide guarantees to the EU Commission to the effect that they have systems in place to ensure that the products do not contain levels of antibiotic residue in excess of the relevant maximum residue limits.