Labelling threat to beef scheme

THE Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association will advise farmers to reject the new beef quality assurance scheme unless compulsory and precise labelling is introduced by the end of the autumn in all catering and retail outlets.

“With the lack of full and comprehensive labelling, imported non assured beef is freeloading on the efforts of farmers to provide a superior product. It is pointless having the highest standards in the world, if the consumer can’t differentiate,” said ICSA president Malcolm Thompson.

Ray Ryan