Beef grading machines authorised

THE authorisation of three automated grading systems for use in the beef industry was announced yesterday by Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh following consultation with the European Commission.

These systems from Denmark, Germany and Australia were the subject of trials conducted by his Department in the Midleton, Co Cork, plant of Dawn Meats Ltd in November.

Following pre-Christmas meetings with farm and industry organisations, Minister Walsh said there has been a renewed commitment from all parties in favour of the introduction of grading by mechanical means at the earliest possible date.