Vol. 542 No. 5
149 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on the recent report prepared by the European Food and Veterinary Office which found that the products of many meat-processing plants here aimed at the domestic market were of poorer standard than those products which are exported; the steps being taken to ensure improved standards in such plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25111/01]
I am naturally concerned to ensure that the highest possible standards of food safety apply to meat processing plants, regardless of whether they are catering for domestic or export markets. Under EU legislation, establishments involved in the production of meat products require approval under the European Communities (Meat Products and Other Products of Animal Origin) Regulations, 1995.
Prior to the FVO audit to which the Deputy refers, my Department had entered into an agreement with the FSAI on a mechanism to identify and assess the standards applying in a number of unapproved premises. This process is under way and the FSAI have identified a number of such plants. Some of those plants, which failed to meet the required standard of hygiene, have been closed down by the FSAI.
