Shoppers urged to check ‘organic’ food for proof

CONSUMERS buying organic food should insist on proof that they are paying for the real thing, according to Food Minister Brendan Smith.

“There is only one guarantee that you are buying organic food and that is an official certification from one of the Irish organic farming bodies or an approved body in another EU member state.

“If the seller can’t show you the certification, then you have no assurance whatsoever about what you are buying,” he said.

Minister Smith was speaking after the Department of Agriculture and Food had successfully prosecuted a Cork trader for breach of the regulations. In the first prosecution of its kind, Marc O’Mahony was fined €2,000 plus €400 costs.

Mr Smith said the prosecution underlined the department’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the organic sector.

“Organic food normally commands a premium price. There are good reasons for that because it is more expensive to produce.

“But it is vital for the consumer to have the fullest confidence that he or she is getting a genuine organic product. That is why we cannot tolerate traders who break the rules,” he said.

Organic food is controlled by EU rules under which the Department of Agriculture and Food is the competent authority in Ireland.

Consumers can report suspicious incidents to the Department’s Organic Unit at Lo-call 1890 200 509, or by email [e-mail].