asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that the quality of bacon processed in this country is equal to that imported from the Dutch processing factories.
Written Answers. - Quality of Bacon.
29.
While much of our bacon is very high quality and compares favourably with that produced by the Dutch, I am not satisfied that all Irish bacon is consistently of the highest standard. The recent report submitted to me by the pig production study group, identified a number of measures aimed at improving the general quality of our pigmeat.
However, the primary responsibility for improvement rests with the industry which must continue to raise the quality and presentation of its products and avoid variability with regard to such factors as salt and fat levels. This is essential if we are to ward off the challenge of imports and expand our exports.