Written answers

Thursday, 6 October 2011

Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food

Food Labelling

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which traceability, husbandry, processing or production standards and requirements in the food industry are applied equally here and throughout the European Union; the degree to which food imports continue to comply with such standards; the degree to which labelling is an adequate form of verification; if any improvements are contemplated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27921/11]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Food production and labelling in the countries of the European Union operates in accordance with harmonised rules and member states controls are subject to audit and supervision by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the EU.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) under the aegis the Minister for Health has overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety in Ireland. It carries out this remit through service contracts with my Department and other agencies including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.

The work to ensure compliance with the application of health and hygiene regulations and traceability within the remit of my own Department is carried out by staff from the Department. This work is subject to regular audit by both the FSAI and the FVO.

All imports of food products of animal origin into the EU are the subject of prior notification and my Department, in co-operation with the Customs Service, operate veterinary public health controls at EU approved Border Inspection Posts on all direct imports into Ireland coming from non-EU (or third) countries.

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