Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:207 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which pet foods containing banned substances are available or imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25867/03]
Written Answers. - Pet Food.
Animal by-products are a major component of pet food. Since June the provisions governing its collection, transport, storage, handling, processing and use or disposal which are not destined for human consumption have been consolidated under Regulation (EC) No. 1774/2002 of the European Parliament and Council. This has been implemented in Ireland by S.I. No. 248 of 2003, entitled the European Communities (Animal By-products) Regulations, 2003.
This EU regulation provides the conditions under which importation and placing on the market of certain products that have been derived from animal by-products, such as pet foods, can take place. It is a requirement of the legislation that pet food: is manufactured from the products and by-products of animals that are considered fit for human consumption – described as category three materials; has been produced in a premises approved for this purpose; and must travel with the appropriate documentation. In the case of third country imports it is required that the pet food: is manufactured from the products and by-products of animals that are considered fit for human consumption – category three materials; has originated in a country which is approved by the EU for trade in animal products; has been produced by an approved premises in that country; and is presented for inspection at an approved border inspection post on first entry into the EU with the appropriate documentation and health certificate.
There are provisions in this EU legislation on the model of the health certificate to be submitted on import from third countries that have yet to be resolved by the EU Commission. At present all such products are imported under a health certificate and are subject to import under a licence issued by my Department.