Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Food Safety Standards.

David Stanton

Ceist:

224 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if all meat imported and sold here is free from substances such as growth promoters and other hormones whose use is not legal here; the steps taken to ensure consumer safety in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2800/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Beef imported from a third country is subject to the checks required by harmonised rules laid down at European level and must be accompanied by veterinary health certification from the authorities in the country of export, regardless of point of entry onto the territory of the EU. In addition, animal products such as beef must have been produced in premises located in third countries that are approved by the European Commission and are subject to veterinary audits by the EU food and veterinary office.

Countries that export to the EU must submit their residue monitoring plans to the European Commission and satisfy the Union that their controls regarding prohibited substances and veterinary medicines generally are at least equivalent to those in member states of the EU. In some third countries so-called "split production systems" exist, whereby cattle reared for export to the EU come from herds which have not been given substances that have been banned in the EU. This is also the case in respect of animal products imported from such countries.