Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 481: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that all food imports to this country comply in full with Irish and EU traceability and husbandry in production requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33038/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In the case of food imported from an EU source it must come from an approved establishment and be accompanied to its destination with a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin. In the case of importation from third countries 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 the provisions of Community legislation and must be presented for inspection at an EU Approved Border Inspection Post. Checks are carried out by the EU Food and Veterinary Office to ensure that EU requirements are being complied with and I am satisfied that my Department and other State Agencies have a system in place to ensure that all food imported into this country complies with National and EU Regulations.