Bord Bia operates the féile bia scheme which promotes the importance of food sourcing in hotels, restaurants, pubs and workplaces throughout the country. This programme is in response to growing consumer concerns on the quality and origin of food offered when eating out.
EU beef labelling regulations were introduced in 2000 and are applicable to operators involved in the production and marketing of beef. As they stand at present, these regulations do not extend to the catering industry. With regard to lamb and other meat products the general food labelling regulations apply. I have raised with the EU Commission the question of extending these regulations to the catering sector.
Clearly, consumer requirements are a key element in assessing the need to change or broaden existing labelling rules with regard to meat, and I have asked the consumer liaison panel to carry out market research in this area. I expect to have the findings of this research shortly.