Delaying new labelling for meats will put farmers’ livelihoods ‘at risk’

ANY hesitation in introducing new European country-of-origin labelling for pigmeat and poultry next month will put Irish producers’ livelihoods at risk, according to the IFA.

IFA pigmeat chairman Tim Cullinan said the inter-ests of the Irish consumer will be impeded by any Government delay in introducing the European Commission’s regulations.

Mr Cullinan said: “Pig producers expect the introduction of country-of-origin regulations to clear up the confusion that has allowed importers to pass off their products as Irish. We will also expect greater returns from the market, as consumers will make informed decisions to buy Irish.”