§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures are taken to ensure that poultry meat imported into the United Kingdom meets EU and United Kingdom rules and legislation; and what steps he will take to ensure fair competition in the UK poultry meat market. [46977]
§ Mr. RookerAll fresh meat, including poultrymeat, imported into the UK, whether from other Member States or third countries, must have been produced in accordance with harmonised Community rules. These rules require all meat which is intended for sale for human consumption to fulfil the required public health standards. This means that it must be produced in EC approved establishments and, to signify this, must be stamped with a health mark before leaving the plant.
Ensuring that all Member States comply with their Community obligations in properly implementing and applying Community rules is the responsibility of the European Commission, whose Office of Veterinary and Phytosanitary Inspection carries out regular programmes of inspections visits to all Member States. The inspection, approval and monitoring of poultrymeat slaughterhouses in third countries are also the responsibility of the European Commission.
In addition, meat imported from third countries must be accompanied by agreed animal and public health certification which is issued at the plant of origin and must take place via approved Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) where they undergo veterinary checks to ensure that they comply with EU animal and public health legislation.