IFA: Food testing needs to be improved
The Irish Farmers Association says food testing in this country needs to be improved, despite rigorous standards already in place.
The source of the horsemeat in Irish burgers was revealed to be a Polish producer over the weekend.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has ordered close scrutiny but the IFA says better legislation is needed.
The Association says the additive responsible is a geling agent, more likely to be used in the lower end of the food market.
IFA President John Bryan is demanding better testing of products coming into this country since Irish producers have done what they can.
“We have taken on a large and extensive level of traceability from birth right through to slaughter, which meant the Department of Agriculture monitored all movement.
“Farmers have joined quality assurance schemes to higher standards in an effort to push Irish products to the higher end of the European market.”
