Liz McManus
Ceist:100 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the registers which are available for rejected consignments of imported meats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23418/00]
Written Answers. - Imported Meats.
Each of the four currently approved border inspection posts retains a register of consignments of products imported directly from third countries. In the register an entry is made identifying those consignments which have been rejected. A separate record is then retained for each rejected consignment.
Imported agricultural products are sampled and analysed on a regular basis to ensure that they do not constitute a danger to public health. Third countries' imports are subject to a documentary, identity and physical check whilst goods coming from other member states are subject to random checks. Goods which are not in compliance with the veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination and, if necessary, destroyed.
Products imported directly from third countries and from other member states are monitored on a regular basis. The controls in this area 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 provide for the imposition of restrictions on, or the banning of, trade in particular animal products when this is considered necessary for the protection of public health. Last year's dioxin scare is a case in point, where trade in a wide range of animal products from Belgium was banned.
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. At present EU harmonised rules require advance notification to my Department of animal product imports; that the goods must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate or, in certain cases, a commercial document; that the goods must come from an approved establishment, for example, a slaughterhouse, cutting plant or cold store which has been approved by the EU Commission; and that the goods may be subject to inspection by officials of my Department.
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.