The UFU continues to urge the Northern Ireland Assembly to introduce compulsory country of origin labeling legislation for the food service sector.
The UFU can now confirm that the Irish government has made a submission to the European Commission to allow a national law on country of origin labeling for all poultry, pig and sheep meat sold in the retail and catering sectors. The Republic of Ireland already has such a law for beef. A response from the Commission is expected in the next couple of weeks.
UFU President Kenneth Sharkey said; "We are falling further behind on this issue and it needs urgent attention. The only initiative underway in Northern Ireland is a pilot project for beef in a small number of food service outlets, to see how such a scheme would work. While this pilot project is welcomed, it doesn't go fast enough or far enough. The pig protest rally in London this week highlighted the urgent need for action in that sector. Country of origin labeling would help consumers easily identify higher quality local product."
The UFU says the approach taken by the Republic of Ireland needs to be matched locally. Kenneth Sharkey said; "The Republic of Ireland is pressing ahead, not only with labeling for beef, but is also now seeking clearance for pigs, poultry and lamb. This would put ROI at the forefront of work to inform consumers of the origin of the food they are eating. We should be equally dynamic and I am calling for more progress at Stormont to see compulsory country of origin labeling introduced".