Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the 2009 Kilkenny laboratory report on the bacterial count on imported chicken fillets will be published; the action he is taking to ensure that imported chicken fillets are safe for human consumption; if he has brought the findings of the laboratory studies on bacteria on imported chicken fillets to the attention of the EU Agriculture Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41750/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of any bacterial testing on imported poultry meat having been carried out at my Department's laboratory in Kilkenny. If the Deputy can provide any further information, I will be glad to pursue the matter. Responsibility for ensuring the safety of food rests in the first place with the food business operator that places it on the market. Compliance is monitored by the competent authority in the country of production. Poultry meat produced in the EU is subject to an extensive range of veterinary controls to ensure its suitability for human consumption. Any meat entering intra-Community trade must meet the requirements of the legislation in question. In the case of importation from third countries, products of animal origin for human consumption must have originated in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment, be appropriately labelled and transported and be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate in accordance with the models laid down by Community legislation. My Department undertakes import controls in co-operation with customs services. Consignments from third countries must be landed at an EU approved border inspection post approved by the EU Food and Veterinary Office.