Meat processing sector warning

THE meat processing sector is facing major disruption with the possibility of some closures, the ICMSA warned yesterday.

Pat O’Rourke, president, who met with the Irish Meat Association (IMA) and the Federation of Irish Renderers, said unsustainable costs from the Department of Agriculture and Food are to blame.

He said over 30 month steers and bulls, and females born since January 1, 2000, face a BSE test charge of 20.29 per head from yesterday.