Written answers
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Department of Agriculture and Food
Food Safety
5:00 pm
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Question 185: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her proposals to protect consumers here from Brazilian beef which clearly does not meet the same animal health and traceability standards as those required of Irish and EU farmers. [24561/07]
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Approval of countries to trade with the EU is a matter for the EU Commission and the EU Commissioner for Health has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. In this context the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) is to carry out a further mission to Brazil in November to assess progress in the implementation and operation of controls by the competent authorities in that country.
Consumers are entitled to information on the country of origin of beef. For this reason I collaborated with the Minister for Health & Children to ensure the introduction of legislation providing that beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector must carry an indication of the country of origin. Responsibility for enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
No comments