Minister’s move on loose chicken labelling no more than a “small step” in the right direction - N. IRELAND - IFA National Poultry Chairman Alan Graham Monday said last Thursday’s move by Minister Walsh on labelling was no more than a “small step” on this crucial issue for consumers.

“In the Consumer research report on labelling of 8 December 2003 commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, 69% of respondents wanted specific country of origin information on meat sold in retailer and butcher shops. Consumers did not want the EU/non EU divide.

What the Minister has provided on loose chicken is non-EU country of origin and ignored EU country of origin”. “Most of the loose sales of chicken fillet at retail level, especially from butcher shops are sourced within the EU.

If the Minister is really serious about meaningful information for consumers then he should insist that retailers and butchers state country of origin for chicken fillet whether within or outside the EU. This was the clear conclusion in his own Departments report in December ”.

“Likewise, the DAF survey concluded that 68% of those interviewed also wanted specific country of origin information on Menus in Food service restaurants. This area has also been ignored by the Minister”. “The Minister has taken no more than what could be reasonably described as a “small step” in providing really useful information on country of origin demanded by a very large percentage of consumers. He still has a long way to go” concluded Mr Graham.

Source: Iriah Farmers Association - 2nd February 2004