Labelling of Beef
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is the competent authority for the purpose of implementing the regulations governing the labelling of beef and beef products.
Under these regulations, operators and organisations involved in the marketing of beef must label beef so as to provide consumers with the following information:
- A reference number or reference code permitting the identification of the animal or group of animals from which the beef was derived;
- The approval number and country of the slaughterhouse - the indication should read: 'Slaughtered in (name of the Member State or third country) (approval number)';
- The approval number and country of the de-boning hall - the indication should read: 'Cutting in; (name of the Member State or third country) (approval number)';
- The Member State or third country where the animal was born, fattened and slaughtered (Origin).
The regulations also provide for a voluntary labelling scheme whereby operators wishing to provide supplementary information on labels may only do so subject to the approval of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Regulations were introduced in 2006, which extended beef labelling laws to the restaurant and catering sectors. The Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 307 of 2006), require that a food business operator providing prepared beef to consumers shall not (a) advertise beef for sale or supply, (b) present it for sale or supply, or (c) sell or supply it unless the country or countries of origin of the beef is indicated at the point of advertising, presenting, sale and supply in clear legible type on the advertisement, menu or other presentation used. The regulations are being enforced by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Further details may be obtained from Meat and Milk Policy Division, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel 01 607 2880.
