Imported pigmeat found in 50% of pork labelled Irish

Over half of Irish-branded pork and bacon products sold in Irish stores are made using imported pigmeat, “name and shame” DNA tests funded by the Irish Farmers Association have shown.

In 300 sample lab tests by DNA specialist IdentiGen, brands such as J Crowe & Sons, Thurles Bacon, Glensallagh (Lidl), Bradleys, and Templetuohy Farm Fresh Foods all contained imported meat. Only half of the Dunnes Stores St Bernard brand products tested contained Irish pigmeat.

The IFA said consumers cannot be expected to deal with the subtle difference of meanings between “misleading” labels such “Produce of Ireland” and “Produced in Ireland” — one meaning the goods were grown or reared here, the other referring to goods processed or packaged here.