IFA stands over results of beef origin survey

THE IFA said yesterday it stands over the results of its beef origin and labelling survey.

President John Dillon said he was disappointed with the response from the Irish Hotels Federation, which amounted to denial and bluster rather than a considered response to the IFA findings.

He said the Irish tourism industry is built on many facets, including the perception of Ireland abroad, and there was an interdependence between our hospitality and food sectors which the IFA fully supported.

“The IFA approached this survey from a strictly consumer viewpoint, purchasing beef from outlets and suppliers dealing directly with the public,” he said.

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) strongly criticised the IFA report and claimed the results were flawed.

It also claimed it was conducted in a clandestine manner.

Mr Dillon said there was nothing clandestine about the survey, which highlighted widespread consumer deception in beef labelling.

Kieran Meegan, managing director, of Identigen, the genetic identification laboratory which tested the samples, said his company fully stood over the methodology and procedures.

Mr Dillon said he would be meeting with Bord Bia as a matter of urgency for their response to the findings.