Vol. 548 No. 4
115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if meat or meat products are imported from overseas locations with a poor animal health or disease status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5225/02]
All products traded within the European Union and imported from third countries are subject to horizontal health rules which apply to all member states and exporting third countries. Products imported directly from third countries and from other member states are monitored on a regular basis. The controls operated by my Department are based on EU harmonised rules governing the veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable to intra-community and third country trade in live animals and animal products. These rules require a range of checks to be carried out and also provide for the imposition of restrictions on, or indeed the banning of trade in particular animal products when this is considered necessary for the protection of public health.
The Standing Veterinary Committee of the European Commission, in which experts from my Department participate, constantly monitors events in member states and third countries which are likely to have implications for public health.
The framework of veterinary checks provided for by harmonised EU rules, the implementation of those rules by my Department and the veterinary services of other Member States, together with the constant programme of monitoring and review of public health risks provided for under the aegis of the Standing Veterinary Committee, are intended to provide assurance that imported animal products are fit for human consumption, while allowing member states to fulfil their trade obligations as members of the European Union and the World Trade Organisation.
