IFA moves to tackle beef imports

Ireland: The IFA has launched a four-point action plan to tackle the problem of beef imports head on and protect the integrity and high quality of the Irish market for both consumers and producers.

It proposes compulsory country of origin labelling, an expanded and enhanced Féile Bia campaign, a nationwide programme of DNA testing by the Food Safety Authority and a limit on EU beef imports in the WTO negotiations.

IFA president John Dillon said Minister Mary Coughlan promised in July to introduce the new labelling legislation on beef for restaurants, hotels and catering outlets by the end of September.