Poor uptake of Irish bacon label
Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan launched the new label in October, enabling consumers to choose Bord Bia quality assured Irish products. "It is clear that while Irish producers offer the consumer quality, safe and traceable product at a fair price, Irish processors and retailers continue to scour across Europe and beyond for pork and bacon product, and are then afraid to declare its origin when it is presented to the consumer," said IFA Pigs Committee Chairman, Pat O'Keeffe.
He said the introduction of the 'Origin Ireland' logo was the culmination of a major effort by producers in this country to get recognition for the origin and quality of their product, while providing essential consumer information. "Unfortunately, the next links in the supply chain, at processor and retail level, are placing little or no value on this commitment," said Mr O'Keeffe.
He added, "The IFA Pigs Committee has highlighted the gaps in national labelling legislation, which allows big business the opportunity to con the consumer. Minister Coughlan must now act to protect the future of Irish pig production and the consumer. There is no point in setting high standards for native production and then leave a loophole for cheaper unidentified imports to be sold off as Irish for the benefit of a small number of highly profitable companies."
He said the ongoing reluctance of well-known brands to declare the country of origin on their retail packs is totally unacceptable, and shows the indifference of major brands and retailers to distinguishing quality Irish product from the 48,000 tonnes of pork and bacon expected to be imported in 2004.
"Because of the alarmingly poor uptake of the 'Origin Ireland' logo identified in these store checks, IFA will be employing a recognised firm to carry out an extensive survey in the next two months to verify these results, when the details will be published in full in a new 'name and shame' campaign," said Co Cork pig producer Mr O'Keeffe.
In October, Aidan Cotter, Chief Exec, Bord Bia said: "The label with country of origin information will give consumers an opportunity to exercise choice in their meat purchasing decisions."
