Top chefs seek ‘safety net’ for small food firms

A SAFETY net for indigenous food producers was sought yesterday by top chefs at an annual food awards ceremony in Dublin.

Euro-toques Ireland, which has 180 members, who work closely with local and artisan food producers, called on the Government to establish a support system to ensure the survival of indigenous food businesses.

Speaking at the Euro-toques Food Awards 2009 Feargal O’Donnell, commissioner-general, said the regulatory requirements and compliance costs are making many businesses uncompetitive, which is deterring new food enterprises and wiping out many existing ones.