Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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458. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether all further inspections of meat plants should be carried out unannounced; and if not, the reason for having announced inspections. [9765/20]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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All meat processing and slaughter plants whose meat is destined for human consumption must meet the requirements set out in detailed EU regulations relating to food safety, animal health and welfare. Large scale slaughter plants operate under the supervision of my Department, while smaller scale abattoirs are supervised by the Local Authority Veterinary Service.

In accordance with EU Regulation No. 625 of 2017, food processing plants and cold stores under the supervision of my Department are subject to a risk-based official control strategy which is determined by DAFM, based on the activity of Food Business in question.

All Food Businesses are subject to unannounced official controls, but there is provision for notice to be given to the Food Business Operators in advance of undertaking official controls at a Food Business premises. My Department undertakes the required number of unannounced inspections as envisaged by the relevant Regulations.