Vol. 572 No. 1
111 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to a report carried out by the European food and veterinary office on deficiencies in the Brazilian beef industry in March 2003; the implications there are for imports of such beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22609/03]
The mission referred to by the Deputy was undertaken as part of the European Commission's programme to evaluate animal health controls, in particular over foot and mouth disease, public health control systems and certification systems operated in Brazil for the export of meat to the EU. During the visit the FVO assessed an application by the Brazilian authorities to extend approval to another four other regions in that country for the purpose of export of meat to the EU.
The report noted improvements from the previous mission in the level and operation of controls with respect to exports from the regions already approved for export to the EU. However, in some cases, the findings indicate that controls were not being applied satisfactorily. Some deficiencies in respect of animal identification, movement control and in the maturation processes were noted. However, a new system for identifying and certifying the origin of bovines and their products has been introduced and this is being applied to cattle that are destined for export to the EU and will be fully implemented throughout the country in 2007.
A number of recommendations were made by the FVO to the competent authorities of Brazil arising from this mission with a request that an action plan be provided to address the recommendations. In an addendum to the report, the FVO has indicated that it is satisfied that the Brazilian authorities have implemented or are in the process of implementing the bulk of the recommendations including the on the spot suspension of approval to export to the EU of one establishment which was found by the FVO as not meeting the required standard. In relation to the application to extend approval to new areas on that country, the FVO has indicated to the Commission that its findings have not been able to establish that these regions satisfy EU requirements for export of meat to the EU.
