§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures are in place to ensure that imported meats meet United Kingdom health standards, with particular reference to the provisions relating to deboning. [21685]
§ Mr. RookerAll fresh meat produced in the UK, and imported into the UK from other EU Member States, must be produced in accordance with harmonised Community rules laid down in Council Directive 64/433/EEC. Fresh meat imported from third countries must come only from approved establishments in countries which are authorised by the European Commission to export to the Community. These controls are designed to ensure that the meat satisfies health requirements equivalent to those applying within the Community.
From 16 December 1997, imported bone-in beef will, under the Beef Bones Regulations 1997, be subject to the same rules as beef produced in the UK.