FG to raise labelling laws loophole

FINE GAEL is to move a private members motion in the Dáil calling on the Government to protect consumers and farmers by closing a legal loophole that allows foreign produce to be passed off as Irish.

Agriculture and food spokesperson Michael Creed said consumers were being misled by the abuse of labelling laws and the agri-food sector was under threat from the lack of coherent government policy. “Most shoppers and restaurant-goers are unaware that when they think they are purchasing Irish meat they may actually be buying New Zealand lamb, Chilean pork or Thai chicken.

“The failure of the Government to introduce comprehensive country-of-origin labelling in both the retail and catering sectors has left consumers in this invidious position.”