EU traceability rules to up litigation

IRISH food retailers and manufacturers will face increased litigation due to new EU traceability laws, an expert in European food law warned yesterday.

New rules, which will apply in the EU from January 1, 2005, will mean traceability must take place at all stages of production, processing and distribution in the food chain.

Food lawyer Raymond O'Rourke, of Mason Hayes and Curran solicitors in Dublin, said he believes there will be no exceptions for individual sectors such as small businesses and local producers.