All country of origin labelling across all poultry, pig meat and sheep meat will become compulsory from today April 1st, onwards.
Consumers are set to benefit from this packaging change since they will now be informed as to the provenance of the poultry, sheep or pig meat they are purchasing from both butchers and grocery retailers around the country.
Vincent Carton, Managing Director of Manor Farm said, “As a member of Bord Bia's Meat and Livestock Board, and as someone who is directly involved in the production of Irish chicken, I believe the new labelling also addresses the growing trend among consumers in Ireland for buying local produce ," says Vincent Carton, Managing Director of Manor Farm.”
The new Country of Origin labels will inform consumers not only of where meat has come from, but also where it has been slaughtered and prepared ahead of going on sale in the butcher’s or grocery retailers.
This change comes after its introduction to beef as a result of an EU directive in the aftermath of the BSE crisis in the 1980s and 1990s.
Carton added that this change will add to Ireland’s meat reputation worldwide, “Ireland's dairy and meat produce is held in high regard worldwide. Our reputation depends on the continued trust of the consumer. The transparency of the new Country of Origin labelling serves to empower the consumer and to the Irish food industry.”
The agricultural food sector in Ireland accounts for approximately 7% of national gross value-added and almost 9% of all employment.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Hannah Popham.
