Billy Timmins
Ceist:160 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the controls and traceability measures in place for non EU import foodstuffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18591/02]
Vol. 555 No. 3
160 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the controls and traceability measures in place for non EU import foodstuffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18591/02]
My Department has arrangements in place at main ports and airports to check compliance with the relevant import requirements as specified under EU and national legislation. These measures constitute an essential control on the importation of animal products from third countries.
Products of animal origin may, in the first instance, only be imported into the European Union from countries and from premises which have been approved by the European Commission. The veterinary services in these countries – and the hygiene and health arrangements in such premises – are subject to inspection by the EU Food and Veterinary Office. Countries and premises may be removed from the EU approved list by Commission decision in cases where the Food and Veterinary Office is not satisfied that the country or premises is adhering to EU veterinary and public health requirements.
In addition, EU law requires animal based products imported from third countries to be processed through a border inspection post in the first EU member state into which it is introduced and following clearance they enter into free circulation within the EU. Such products must be accompanied by appropriate veterinary health certification issued by the authorities in the country from which it is being exported and are subject to identity and documentary checks. A proportion is subjected to physical checks which may include sampling and analysis.