Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 496: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the 2009 equine 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 the findings of the laboratory studies on bacteria on imported chicken fillets has been drawn to the attention of the EU Agriculture Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43023/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department had analyses conducted at the Irish Equine Centre on samples of imported poultry this year. This was specifically in the context of the gas flushing of poultrymeat. The results of these analyses are presently being assessed and any follow-up action, including dissemination of information, that is considered necessary will be taken. My Department is working in close liaison with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on this matter. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has issued guidelines on the handling of gas-flushed poultry. The safety of food being marketed in the EU is controlled through a far-reaching range of veterinary legislation. Compliance is monitored by the competent authority in the country of production. Once food, including poultry meat, is fit for human consumption it can circulate freely within the Union. There are also extensive controls on products imported from third countries. Such products must have originated in a country approved by the EU for trade, have been produced in an approved establishment, be appropriately labelled and transported and be landed at an approved border inspection post. The appropriate veterinary health certificate, verifying conformity with animal and public health requirements, must accompany the consignment.