§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the testing procedure used to ensure that no meat containing artificially added growth hormone is imported into the United Kingdom. [20368]
§ Mr. RookerThe import from third countries of meat and meat products derived from animals treated with hormonal growth promoters has been banned since 1988, as has the use of these substances within the European community. Member states are responsible for implementing and policing the Community ban in respect of their own national production. Veterinary experts from the Commission may make on-the-spot checks to ensure the relevant Directives are being uniformly applied in all Member States.
Any third country wishing to export fresh meat to the European Union must submit residue sample plans to the Commission. These describe the residue sampling programme to be undertaken in respect of their meat production and must provide guarantees which are at least equivalent to the requirements of the Community on EC producers in respect of the banned substances.
Any third country which permits the use of growth promoting hormones is required to guarantee that no animal and no meat coming from animals to which they have been administered will be exported to the Community. Imports must be certified accordingly and Commission inspectors verify compliance with all the 231W requirements when they carry out periodic checks on third country slaughterhouses authorised to produce meat for export to the Community.
Port Health Authorities (or local authorities in their absence) are responsible under Directive 90/675/EEC for checking 1 per cent. of all imported meat and meat products for residues of veterinary medicines and for banned substances.