Vol. 559 No. 5
125 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the provisions in place to ensure the safety of imported meat; the requirements in order to be able to carry on the business of such importation; the companies authorised to import meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26547/02]
Controls on the import of meat into the EU from third countries are set down in EU legislation. There is free circulation of meat produced within the EU but there are uniform EU wide controls on the production of such meat. All animal product imports from third countries must come from establishments in those countries which are approved by the EU and bear an EU health mark except in certain instances when a product may be imported under licence. The Food and Veterinary Office of the EU carries out inspections to ensure that only establishments that meet hygiene and health standards equivalent to those operating within the EU will be approved. Where the Food and Veterinary Office is satisfied that public health requirements are not being met by premises in those countries, the establishments may be removed from the EU approved list.
Consignments coming from third countries must be imported through an approved border inspection post upon first entry into the EU. Aside from having the necessary documentation for tariff processing by the customs authorities, importers are required to be registered with my Department and give at least 24 hours advance notice to the border inspection post at which their consignment is to be landed. An official health certificate conforming to model certificates set down in EU legislation must be presented. Goods failing to comply with the veterinary control checks carried out at the border inspection post may be detained for further examination and if necessary they may be destroyed. Once products have met with all required conditions, they are released for free circulation within the EU. There are over 700 importers of animals and animal products registered by my Department at present.
In response to growing concern relating to food labelling, including labelling of imported food, I established a group to examine the current labelling framework in the context of consumers' expectations and, in particular, to identify whatever gaps there are either in existing legislation or the manner in which it is implemented. The group has now reported and has made a series of recommendations and I will be making a response early in the new year.
