Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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423. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his views on an EU-wide ban on all Brazilian beef imports following recent allegations that some of the country’s biggest meat processors have been selling rotten beef and poultry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15038/17]

Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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424. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a ban will be placed on all Brazilian beef imports following recent allegations that some of the country’s biggest meat processors have been selling rotten beef and poultry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15039/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 424 together.

On the 17 March the Brazilian police announced that after a two-year probe, they had discovered evidence that several beef and poultry plants allegedly bribed inspectors to overlook improper practices. This facilitated the export of meat which was unfit for human consumption. 21 Brazilian establishments are concerned. Most of them produce for the domestic market; 4 of them have approval for meat export to the EU.

My Department is closely monitoring this case through the Embassy in Brasilia which is in direct contact with the Brazilian authorities and through the European Commission. It is the Commission which is responsible for the approval of Third Countries for export of meat into the EU on behalf of Member States. The relevant Commissioner with responsibility for this area, Commissioner Andriukaitis, is currently in Brazil for discussions with the Brazilian authorities on this issue.

On 19 March the Brazilian authorities (MAPA) confirmed that they had been informed of the Federal Police Operation on 17 March. Based on information received, they suspended certification from the 4 establishments under investigation which were approved for export to the EU.

On 20 March the Commission requested information on all exports to the EU from the 4 establishments since 1 January 2017, and asked the Brazilian authorities to recall any consignments which were in transit. The Commission also suggested the suspension of certification from any other establishments approved for export to the EU, pending the outcome of a full investigation. On 21 March I wrote to Commissioner Andriukaitis, supporting the suggestion to suspend certification from all other establishments approved for export to the EU.

Food safety is a shared responsibility between national and EU authorities. Food business operators in the EU also carry out their own quality and safety checks in line with their responsibilities to ensure that their products are safe.

My Department carries out controls on imports at Border Inspection Posts ( BIPs). The EU imposes strict hygiene and safety controls on imports of food, in particular on animal products for which documentary, identity and physical checks are compulsory for meat products imports. These are implemented here in Ireland by veterinary staff from this Department at the BIPs. Checks on all Brazilian product are now being intensified in light of current developments, and will include microbiological testing.

I am satisfied that this matter is being treated and dealt with in the most serious and appropriate manner by the EU.