Sinn Féin : Irish Government need to do more on food labelling - McMullan

21 January, 2016 - by Oliver McMullan

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has called on Irish Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to do more to resolve the issue around all Ireland food labeling.

Mr McMullan said,

'Sinn Féin has been working through our MEP Matt Carthy to resolve the issue around all Ireland food labeling.

'At present the legislation states that beef rand lamb aised in one part of Ireland and finished in the other cannot be labelled as Irish. This has resulted in a surplus of beef in the market artificially driving down prices.

'Mr Carthy has organised a meeting of all interested parties to discuss the issue but Simon Coveney did not attend nor send a representative.

'There has been a recognition from both the British government and the EU that an anomaly exists and they are willing to look at ways of resolving it.

'Having an all Ireland label would have several benefits including a more consolidated all island structure dealing with animal health and welfare standards and help towards restoring consumer confidence.

'It could also help to achieve a fairer price for our farmers their produce so I would call on Minister Coveney to engage immediately and get the issue resolved once and for all.'