Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the testing regime in place to ensure that imported meat is growth hormone residue free; if the imported meat will be labelled as hormone residue free with the country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21315/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Countries approved by the EU for export of animal products must operate residue controls that provide appropriate guarantees as regards compliance with the Community's feed and food law, including that banning the use of hormones in the production of meat. Health certification as to compliance with EU standards with regard to microbiological levels and residues is a requirement for import. The Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) carries out assessments and audits production and hygiene controls and the results of tests earned out in third countries.

Testing of food placed on the EU market is an integral part of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) approach to food safety in the Community's Food Hygiene Regulations. In consultation with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland my Department is involved in the drawing up of multi-annual national control plans to apply a testing programmes to best promote risk based, consistent and comprehensive approach to controls on feed and food, animal health and animal welfare legislation. The plans embrace all sectors and stages of the feed and food chain, including imports.

The results of tests are published annually.