EU and UK officials are reportedly in last-minute talks to avoid a potential two-way ban on a wide range of food items from being imported and exported between Great Britain and the island of Ireland next year.
The ban would effect products such as sausages, mince and prepared meals, reports RTÉ.ie
Under EU rules, there are restrictions of certain meat products from outside the European Union.
According to RTÉ, such products would therefore be prohibited from entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain, as it will still be operating EU food safety rules from 1 January under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
However, the UK has indicated it will, in turn, apply reciprocal restrictions on such foods coming from Ireland.
Many Issues
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said that the issue emerged in recent weeks and is "concerning" and "a reflection of the many issues Brexit is raising".
He said the matter emphasises the importance of a trade deal being finalised promptly and significant work is needed in the weeks ahead to ensure trade is "as efficient and smooth as possible" post-Brexit.
Minister McConalogue noted that the Irish team will work hard to try to resolve this situation.
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