New rules on animal drugs ‘could raise costs’

ANY unnecessary tightening of the regulations governing the distribution of animal medicines in the Irish market will stifle competition and could lead to increased production costs for a range of consumer food products.

Declan O’Brien, director, who made the claim at the Animal and Plant Health Association (APHA) annual conference in Blessington, Co Wicklow, said that the demands on Irish food producers and manufacturers are becoming greater.

The consumer wants higher quality foods with greater convenience and with greater nutritional values.