Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 November 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 5 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Foot and Mouth (Brazil)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to house imports of meat from Brazil following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease there.

Answer: Following outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Brazil, action was taken to ban imports of meat from the affected areas which may present a risk.All meat imported into the EU from third countries must enter at designated Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) where it is subject to veterinary inspections. All consignments are subject to documentary and identity checks and at least 20 per cent. of consignments undergo physical checks. These ensure import conditions are met and that the products remain in a satisfactory condition during transport.Any consignment that does not meet EU requirements, including that which may have been affected by the ban would be rejected and re-exported or destroyed.

Secondary information