Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Beef and Poultry Imports.

Mary Upton

Question:

211 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the list of those companies that import beef and poultry from non-EU countries; the traceability procedures that are in place for those products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2358/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The Central Statistics Office, CSO, is responsible for the collection of statistics in relation to imports. However, the CSO does not collect details of the names of importers of beef and poultry meat.

My Department maintains a register of importers of animal products under the provisions of Regulations 5.(1) of S.I. No. 289 of 1994, the European Communities (Trade In Animals and Animal Products) Regulations 1994. Animal products include all meats including poultry meat and food products made from meat, milk, milk products, blood, plasma, hair, etc. A list of 554 importers registered as persons who may accept delivery as consignees of animal based products was provided in reply to a question which I answered on Wednesday, 29 January.

In relation to the traceability of imported meat, the position is that controls on imports of meat into the EU from third countries have been 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 a licence. The food and veterinary office of the EU carries out inspections to ensure that only establishments which 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 of meat products 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 and being registered as mentioned above, importers are required to give at least 24 hours advance notice to the border inspection post at which their consignment is to be landed. 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 European Union.