EEA member states must allow the import of fresh meat.
Honourable President. The advisory opinion of the EFTA Court delivered yesterday causes me concern. According to the court's opinion, the EEA Agreement stipulates that its member states must allow the importation of fresh meat, provided that it has passed health inspections in its country of origin. It is not permissible to require that the products be frozen, as the Icelandic authorities have always demanded. I would like to emphasise, however, that the opinion is advisory and does not automatically revoke the existing regulations in Iceland.
Over the years, veterinarians and other experts who best understand this field have warned against the importation of fresh meat. With the President's permission, I would like to quote the words of Vilhjálmur Svansson, a veterinarian at the University of Iceland's Experiment Station at Keldur, in the Fréttablaðið, where he describes this conclusion as sad news for those who care for the health of lives and animals:
“The importation of raw meat to Iceland is banned due to safeguards against animal diseases and the first laws in that direction were established in 1882. Iceland's status regarding animal diseases is unique in the world and it must be preserved by all available means. The purpose of the ban is multifaceted and includes ensuring the healthiest possible domestic food supply, promoting animal welfare, preserving genetic diversity or genetic resources, reducing medication costs, protecting public health, and more. A component of animal welfare is to promote good health for animals in the country by preventing the introduction of new infectious diseases. At the same time, a foundation is laid for the continued production of healthy livestock products in the country, free from the consequences of certain diseases or related drug residues. Furthermore, one could of course discuss the desirable environmental impacts of meat transport, but that is another matter.”
Líneik Anna Sævarsdóttir — in the duties of the parliament on 2nd February 2016.
