Dispute over meat labelling to intensify

The Government has been accused of promoting business interests over the wishes of consumers when it comes to telling people where processed meat comes from.

Despite the huge controversy caused by the horsemeat scandal, the Department of Agriculture argues that labelling the source of meat could hinder the country’s meat sector.

Fresh beef has to have a country-of-origin label and from April the source of sheep, pork, poultry, and goat meat will also be labelled. However, burgers, sausages, cold meats, and ready-made meals do not have to be labelled.