Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

430. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to call for an EU Council of Ministers meeting with a view to introducing an immediate ban on Brazilian food products being imported into the EU, in view of the recent revelation regarding the substandard food products being exported by Brazilian food processors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14815/17]

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

431. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will to take to safeguard persons from inadequate products in view of the recent revelation regarding the substandard food products being exported by Brazilian food processors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14816/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 430 and 431 together.

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

My Department is closely monitoring this case through our Embassy in Brasilia who are in direct contact with the Brazilian authorities, and through the European Commission. It is the Commission which approves the Third Countries for export of meat into the EU on behalf of MS. The relevant Commissioner with responsibility for this area, Commissioner Andriukaitas 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 that were approved for export to the EU.

On 20 March the Commission requested full information on all exports to the EU from the 4 establishments since 1 January 2017, and asked the Brazilian authorities to recall any consignments in transit. The Commission also suggested the suspension of certification from all 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 food imports, and 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 Border Inspection Posts.

The checks on all Brazilian product are now being intensified in light of current developments, and will include microbiological testing.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

432. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action being taken to protect European consumers following reports of Brazilian beef exports containing contaminated meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14819/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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

My Department is closely monitoring this case through our Embassy in Brasilia who are in direct contact with the Brazilian authorities, and through the European Commission. It is the Commission which approves the Third Countries for export of meat into the EU on behalf of MS. The relevant Commissioner with responsibility for this area, Commissioner Andriukaitas 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 that were approved for export to the EU.

On 20 March the Commission requested full information on all exports to the EU from the 4 establishments since 1 January 2017, and asked the Brazilian authorities to recall any consignments in transit. The Commission also suggested the suspension of certification from all 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 food imports, and 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 Border Inspection Posts.

The checks on all Brazilian product are now being intensified in light of current developments, and will include microbiological testing.