FG calls for 'green Ireland' food label
That's the view of Fine Gael, which is stepping up its campaign for the adoption of such a label.
Denis Naughten TD, the party's agriculture and food spokesperson, said Ireland has a chance to be internationally branded as a producer of safe, quality food.
"There is no doubt that Irish food producers are facing significantly increased competition from non-EU countries and it is essential for the future that Ireland's reputation as a producer of safe, quality food is recognised worldwide," he said.
"The WTO deal has a food safety implication as well because substantial volumes of food products coming into the EU will not be produced to the same high standards as products from Ireland.
"That is why clear labelling is so very important and the Green Ireland label, as proposed by Fine Gael, when placed on any product, will make it clearly identifiable as being fully quality assured, 100% Irish and produced and processed to the highest standards.
"This food label would become a single reference point for consumers seeking greater reassurance about the quality and safety of their food, and, of course, Irish origin."
He said there must be an immediate implementation of food labelling in the catering trade.
He said Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan must also seek the removal of a loophole at EU level which allows chicken coming in from Asia to be re-labelled as Irish just because it has had breadcrumbs sprinkled on it in this country.
"Finally, there must be greater policing of food standards in countries exporting into the EU and more thorough examination of these products at ports of entry to Europe."
