EU’s ‘double standards’ over beef traceability
Pádraig Walshe, president of the 85,000-member IFA, accused the European Union of operating a regime of double standards on beef traceability. He said the EU was imposing the highest standards on Irish and European farmers and at the same time it was facilitating beef imports from Brazil where there are glaring deficiencies and lack of controls on beef production.
Mr Walshe, who accused Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan of doing a U-turn on the issue, called on her to demand a total ban on beef imports from Brazil. “They simply don’t meet EU standards. They will destroy our industry and cattle farmers will hold her responsible,” he said.
The IFA leader accused the EU of ignoring risks posed by the failure of Brazil to meet basic standards and controls.
The Commission said last week an IFA report on the Brazilian beef industry gave information that was not new and was misleading. Claims were based on an incorrect interpretation of EU rules for beef imports.
EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said his officials constantly monitor beef exports in Brazil: “Our decisions on food imports are based solely on food safety and protection of health, irrespective of economic interests. We are prepared to propose any additional measures necessary to protect EU consumers.”
