IFA DNA tests indicate consumers could be misled by ‘Irish’ labels
Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, will this week raise the issue of the labelling of pork products in the Dáil. Deputy O’Donovan is calling for urgent measures to be implemented to ensure proper country of origin labelling.
“DNA testing commissioned by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has revealed worrying information about how pork products from outside the country are being presented as Irish produce. I am concerned that consumers are being misled, and that genuine Irish producers are suffering from a loss of business as a result.
“The IFA tests show that 52% of the rashers and bacon joints tested were not from Irish pigs. While nothing illegal has taken place here, I believe most people who buy pork labelled ‘Produced in Ireland’ would reasonably think they are buying Irish pork. But as the IFA tests have shown, this is often not the case.
“Irish meat producers adhere to strict quality controls, to produce the highest quality meat. Meat producers from outside the country should not be allowed to label their products in such a way that leads consumers to believe they are buying Irish meat. Country of origin labelling is the only way to ensure there is no confusion or ambiguity.
“It is also unfair to expect consumers to scrutinise packaging if they want to be sure that they are not being duped into buying meat that has simply been processed here, rather than produced here.
“Irish meat products are traceable; the importance of this measure was highlighted earlier this year with the horsemeat controversy. Irish consumers deserve to know what they are buying, and Irish farmers should feel confident that foreign producers will not get away with labelling their meat as Irish.
“Clear country of origin labelling is the only way to ensure consumers are not being duped.”