Beef traceability in trade talks
Michael Collins raised concerns about Brazilian beef traceability and asked what Ireland would do to protect food safety in trade negotiations. The Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister said Ireland's voice was heard clearly, especially on beef and agriculture.
On page 121 of the programme for Government, under trade negotiations, the Government promised to ensure our national interests are protected in any future trade deal discussions, with particular focus on beef and food safety standards. A group of MEPs on an inspection visit to Brazil found that country does not have the same traceability standards for beef as EU producers. Records are only kept of batches of animals slaughtered at a particular plant but they cannot be traced back to the individual farm. This is a public safety issue. What steps is the Government taking in light of a possible Mercosur deal to protect the public in terms of the safety of food that may be imported into Ireland?
