TD voices concern at beef imports
Fine Gael agriculture and food spokesperson Billy Timmins, TD, said debate on the issue focused on the increasing amount of beef being imported into Ireland from non-EU countries, particularly Brazil, and about the safety of this product.
The EU Food and Veterinary Office produced a report last March which examined the level of animal health controls in Brazil. Deputy Timmins said this report raised some serious concerns about the safety of meat production in Brazil and the quality of meat product entering the EU from that country.
The Oireachtas Committee should now address this issue and other similar matters.
“It is vital that the Irish consumer knows exactly how Brazilian beef is produced, how it is checked and what route it takes before it ends up on their plates,” he said.
The Committee has invited the EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne to make a presentation to it in September. Mr Timmins said he hopes this will provide an opportunity to get the views of all the players involved. Accepting Ireland exports 90% of its beef, he said this should not prohibit them from addressing genuine concerns on imports.
