Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 303: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total volume of pet foods imported; if he is satisfied that European traceability and husbandry requirements have been applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43861/09]

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

Data supplied by the Central Statistics Office indicates that the total quantity of pet food imported into this country from January to December 2008 was 65,370 tonnes and that in the period January to July 2009 imports of 37,000 tonnes are estimated. Under EU harmonised rules pet foods must be produced from animal by-products obtained from animals that are fit for human consumption in accordance with EU legislation. Processed pet food must be produced at an approved pet food plant, be subjected to specified heat treatments, undergo random testing, be appropriately packaged and labelled and accompanied to its destination with a commercial document in accordance with EU rules.

Importers of pet foods from 3rd countries are required to register with my Department and, in the case of 3rd country imports, give at least 24 hours notice of intention to import to an approved Border Inspection Post where a veterinary examination of consignments is undertaken. Such pet foods must also have been be produced from animal by-products derived from animals that fit for human consumption, come from third countries approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in establishments approved by the competent authorities of the third country and be accompanied by a health certificate in accordance the provisions of EU harmonized rules. Imports that do not satisfy these requirements will be seized and will be required to be returned to the country of origin or destroyed.