Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
345. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if beef from Poland is being imported into Ireland and processed and labelled as Irish beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10662/14]
View answerRules on the labelling of meat and meat products are laid down in EU legislation. For beef, the current rules require compulsory origin labelling, with place of birth, rearing and slaughter specified.
In the context of the European Union single market, trade between member states in beef is of course permitted, but mandatory country of origin labelling rules apply. In this regard audits of imported products are carried out in meat plants approved by my Department. Such audits include physical identity, labelling and documentary checks and cover product originating both in EU Member States and third countries. In addition, labelling and documentary checks form part of the routine checks conducted by Department officials.
Checks are also conducted by the Local Authority Veterinary Service in smaller meat plants and by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at retail level, working under the aegis of the FSAI which has an overarching supervisory role in relation to labelling matters.
Where any allegations in relation to the mislabelling of meat are made, my Department investigates the matter thoroughly and takes appropriate action. If the Deputy has any specific information indicating possible breach of the beef labelling rules he should pass that on to the relevant authorities.
