Extension of EU labelling regulations urged by Walsh
He was speaking in Killarney yesterday, where the EU special committee on agriculture met as part of the Council of Farm Ministers’ informal meeting.
Mr Walsh said the regulations relating to country of origin do not extend to beef sold in restaurants and catering establishments. He said he had made this clear on a number of occasions to the European Commission and would be pressing the matter when the Agriculture Council deals with the issue.
Mr Walsh said consumers, whether they are purchasing beef over the counter in butcher shops or supermarkets, or opting for beef in restaurants and catering establishments, have the right to know the origin of the product.
The labelling regulations should provide for this.
Mr Walsh said extending the labelling provisions to cover food service can be done without adding costs to the sector. The minister said he was aware of the commission’s view, which is against extending the labelling provisions, but said he would continue to press for a change in this position.
Food Minister Noel Treacy told journalists that the enhancement of food safety is a major element of
Ireland’s presidency programme and is the very basis for a modern food industry.
He said he was very confident that agriculture had a bright future in the enlarged EU. The new CAP architecture will make the sector much more responsive to market demands.
