Vol. 507 No. 4
51 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that every possible precaution is being taken by his Department and the other agencies responsible for food safety to safeguard consumers and prevent the type of food scare recently experienced in Belgium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16544/99]
A range of controls is in place across the food chain in order to ensure the safety of food products.
Over recent years, a range of initiatives have been taken at EU level and national levels to underpin food safety and to address problems that may arise from time to time. At EU level, the Commission reorganised and expanded its control and inspection services in the food, veterinary and plant health sectors. These functions are discharged by the food and veterinary office which is located in Ireland. The Commission has also established various scientific and advisory committees to assist in the formulation of policies to be pursued at EU level. In addition, a rapid food alert system has been put in place to provide early warning of food safety alerts to wholesalers and retailers.
The Government has established the Food Safety Authority of Ireland which has been given overall responsibility for the enforcement of legislative provisions in the area of food safety and hygiene and for the promotion of standards of good practice throughout all stages of food production, distribution and sale. Arrangements for the discharge of functions by the various agencies under contract to the authority have recently been concluded.
The Government has recently approved the text of a Bill to provide a statutory basis for a national beef assurance scheme. This initiative is further evidence of our commitment to apply the highest food safety standards starting with the beef sector. Notwithstanding the various safeguards in place, problems of the type recently experienced with some Belgian products can arise from time to time, and it is important that there are adequate and rapid response systems in place with such situations. At its most recent meeting, the Council of Agriculture Ministers considered the position in the light of the recent experience with Belgian products and decided inter alia to prioritise a comprehensive review of feedingstuffs regulations and to examine the area of feedstuffs control.
I understand the FSAI has commenced a review of the Irish response to the Belgian episode and the further action, if any, that needs to be taken to deal with any recurrence in similar or other products.
