New rules on animal drugs ‘could raise costs’
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.
“Anything that jeopardises this, such as increased costs at farm level, or a growth in the distribution of black market products, endangers Ireland’s reputation as a food producing nation,” he said.
Mr O’Brien told delegates the Department of Agriculture and Food is currently deciding how animal medicines will be distributed in the future.
He said a sufficient range of professionals must be allowed to write prescriptions for certain routine medicines. Otherwise, costs will increase and animal welfare will be threatened.
Ger Mullally, chief executive, agribusiness division, Glanbia, said that it has concerns about the impending changes to the current legislation. It welcomed tighter controls which should ensure that Irish food products remain ‘residue free’.
“However, we are concerned that new legislation may result in a decline in the use of medicines designed to prevent disease. This would not be in the interests of consumers, processors or farmers,” he said.
According to APHA there is now cross industry support for legislation, which would allow appropriately trained professionals, who have undertaken an approved course, to prescribe certain products.
Nutrition Expert, Paula Mee, told delegates that convenience, indulgence and health are the three major consumer trends which food producers and retailers must be aware of if they are to succeed in domestic and global markets.
“While diet related health problems such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are now impacting on the health of the Irish nation, there is also an increased interest from consumers in what goes into their food and how this food is produced and processed.
“Ireland has a strong reputation internationally as a producer of top quality ‘residue free’ food products. The enhancement of this reputation has to be the way forward.
“The opportunity for Irish food producers large and small is to deliver top quality, natural, convenient food products which respond to convenience and health requirements now demanded by consumers,” she said.
