§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to require residue testing of imported poultry meat. [47450]
§ Mr. RookerAny third country wishing to export poultry meat to the European Union must submit residue testing plans to the EU Commission. These describe the residue testing programme to be undertaken in respect of606W their meat production and must provide guarantees which have an effect at least equivalent to the requirements of the Community on EC producers.
EU Commission inspectors verify compliance with these 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.