Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:213 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if bonemeal or products containing it are imported here; if so, the extent to which; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25874/03]
Written Answers. - Animal Feedstuffs.
Importation of MBM or such products for any purpose to do with the farm animal and human food chain is prohibited. Under Community rules the importation of such products which have already been incorporated within pet foods and are destined for meat eating animals is provided for subject to certain conditions. While the main source of imports of pet foods is from other member states, it is also imported under licence from Hungary, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland and the USA. Data supplied by the Central Statistics Office indicate that the total quantity of pet food imported here during 2002 was 48,513 tonnes.
Importers of pet foods are required to register with my Department and give at least 24 hours notice of intention to import. Pet food originating from an EU source must come from an approved establishment. It must also be accompanied to its destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian on the competent authority of the member state of origin. In the case of importation from third countries it can only be imported under licence. In such cases it must originate in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment and be accompanied by a health certificate in accordance with the provisions of Community legislation.