Labelling scheme for beef announced
Ms Coughlan said agreement had been reached with the Irish Hotels Federation, the Restaurants Association of Ireland and both Vintners groups representing the pub sector.
She said she was confident the system will make available to consumers on a voluntary basis the country of origin information of beef served in their premises will commence in the very near future.
Ms Coughlan said she will shortly bring forward legislation on this issue.
IFA president John Dillon said the voluntary scheme by the hospitality industry is a positive step.
But it must be underpinned by new legislation for mandatory country of origin labelling in all catering outlets.
ICSA president Malcolm Thompson, welcoming the announcement of the voluntary scheme, said it is important that the information provided is clear, unambiguous and accurate. This will require outlets to check the bona fides of their suppliers to ensure that they are not passing off Brazilian product as Irish, he said.
Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness said compulsory labelling of beef at all levels in the food chain will stand for nothing unless it is accompanied by a proper system of checks and inspections by the Food Safety Authority.
She said she would also like to see the Minister extend the new regulations.
