Vol. 556 No. 5
106 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if all food imports come from jurisdictions in which traceability and standards equal to those applicable within the European Union apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20989/02]
107 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if all imported poultry and poultry products originate in jurisdictions in respect of which the highest EU hygiene and traceability standards are applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20990/02]
110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which he can authenticate the traceability, hygiene and production standards of all imported meat and poultry products, including those imports coming via other EU member states, but not originating within the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20993/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 107 and 110 together.
The importation of animal food products into the State is governed by a framework of legislation devised at both national and EU level. Control measures set down by the European Commission are implemented in all member states; thus a uniform set of requirements must be met by all imports into the EU. All animal product imports must come from EU approved establishments and countries and bear an EU health mark except in certain instances when a product may be imported under licence. Inspections and reports carried out by the EU's Food and Veterinary Office are designed to ensure that only establishments that meet hygiene and health standards equivalent to those operating within the EU will be approved. In cases where the Food and Veterinary Office is not satisfied that public health requirements are being met, countries and premises may be removed from the EU approved list by Commission decision.
