Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
475. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all Brazilian beef imports are tested for banned hormones and antibiotics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13680/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBeef consignments entering the EU from any non-EU country (‘third country’) must do so through an approved Border Control Post (BCP). At the BCP, consignments are subject to official controls in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. These controls include documentary checks, identity checks and, where required, physical examinations and sampling. Consignments that satisfy these controls may be released from the BCP for placing on the market.
Controls on imported beef, including testing for residues, are governed by EU Official controls legislation and are graduated and risk-based, rather than involving automatic 100% testing. Consignments entering any EU Member State, from Brazil or any other third country, are sampled and tested in accordance with a national, risk-based monitoring plan (NRCP) for residues and contaminants, in line with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. The NRCP must be approved by the European Commission. Sampling at BCPs is targeted based on risk factors, including previous compliance history and EU-wide monitoring priorities.
Where serious or repeated non-compliances are identified, intensified official controls may be applied, including increased and targeted sampling, additional physical checks, or other appropriate enforcement measures.
