EU hygiene rules could affect farmers’ markets

THE package of new EU food hygiene rules introduced by former Commissioner David Byrne specifically includes a ‘flexibility’ clause which should be utilised in relation to the many farmers’ markets around the country.

That’s the view of food lawyer Raymond O’Rourke, who was commenting yesterday on discussions that took place at the farmers’ market conference in Cork on Monday when a common sense approach by the regulatory bodies was sought.

Mr O’Rourke warned of the consequences of the authorities demanding that farmers’ markets and local traditional food producers follow the strict new hygiene rules line by line.