IFA says beef imports passed off as Irish

The Irish Farmers Association has alleged certain beef imports into Ireland are being passed of as Irish.

IFA National Livestock Committee Chairman Derek Deane said the huge increase in non-EU beef imports into Ireland are being used to keep down the prices farmers are being paid for their cattle.

On the labelling issue, Deane said: "Imported Brazilian beef is being passed off as Irish to unsuspecting consumers because of a complete lack of transparency, labeling and regulation on imports.

"Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh should tackle the serious problem of beef imports and particularly the damage been inflicted on the domestic market by non-EU beef imports."

Central Statistics office data for 2002 shows a trebling of Brazilian beef imports to 3,908 tonnes into Ireland over the last three years.

The IFA National Livestock leader added: "In light of these alarming figures the Minister for Agriculture must publish the names and the addresses of the various companies and people involved in importing and distributing this product into Ireland."