Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I wholeheartedly agree on the issue of labelling. Our colleagues in the Seanad are involved in drafting legislation that will hopefully be introduced in this House at the beginning of the next term so we can introduce law on the issue of labelling. We all agree on the necessity of labelling.

The FVO carried out a number of audits and inspections between 2001 and 2004 on production and export controls and on residue controls operated by the Brazilian competent authorities. The audits were taken in compliance with the provisions of EU legislation on food hygiene and health conditions for the productions and placing on the market of certain products intended for human consumption and in accordance with the conditions under which Brazil has been approved by the EU to trade in certain animal products.

As I indicated, a recent investigation was carried out by the FVO. I instigated a letter to the Commissioner on the basis of the concerns expressed. Many recommendations were made to the Commission from the FVO arising from those. Reviews were carried out on action plans submitted by the Brazilians and consideration of further control measures in light of assurances received. I await the outcome of the FVO report. Hopefully it will be available soon so we can see if our concerns have been addressed.

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