Consumers urged to check turkey

CONSUMERS buying organic turkeys for Christmas were urged yesterday to ensure they are paying for the real thing.

Food Minister Trevor Sargent said consumers are going to pay more for an organic turkey for very good reasons.

“These turkeys have to be raised under strict rules about housing density, free access to open spaces and special diets.

“Feed additives and veterinary medicines are also rigorously controlled. Because of these rules, genuine organic farmers have to charge more to break even,” he said.

Mr Sargent said fortunately it is easy for consumers to make sure they are getting the real thing. There are three bodies authorised to certify organic farmers in Ireland.

They are Demeter Standards Limited the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association and Organic Trust Limited.

They apply a set of rules approved by the EU Union and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

“The label on any organic turkey should have the words ‘Certified Organic’, in addition to the certification code of one of the certification bodies.

“Any organic producers selling directly to the public should be able to show their certification from one of the three private bodies,” he said.

Mr Sargent said anyone selling organic food without proper certification was liable to fines of up to €5,000 or a term of imprisonment, or both.

Consumers can report suspicious incidents to the Organic Unit, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford at 1890 200 509, or email [e-mail]