Consumers Ignored In Big Beef Debate
BRAZIL - Consumers have been ignored in the Brazilian beef import debate, it has been claimed. MRP Colm Burke has called the Commission to account for their failure to ensure that beef imported from Brazil meets the same high standards that are imposed on Irish and EU producers.
19 October 2007
1 minute read
In a written question to the Agriculture Commissioner, Mariann Fischer Boel, the MEP highlighted the disturbing report presented to the European Parliament by the IFA, which indicated a failure by the Commission to ensure that the origins and safety of beef coming from Brazil are prop-erly investigated and recorded.
MEP Burke said: "Over the last number of months there has been serious and alarm about the importation of beef from Brazil. It has become a major health concern. No effort has been made to protect Irish consumers, while Irish beef producers are losing out.”
He has demanded an explanation as to how the Commission can expect consumers to trust beef products from Brazil when “there is no traceability whatsoever prior to the 90 days before it is exported to Europe”.
“I am extremely concerned at evidence reported by the IFA of illegal move-ment of cattle or absence of controls on their movement, and cutting out of tags,” added Mr Burke.
Most worryingly of all is the apparent widespread use of hormone growth promoters, he stated.
“Ireland was forced to clamp down on this illegal practice during the 1980s, after the "angel dust" scandals, and consequently we have one of the most stringent control regimes in the world and the highest quality beef,” said MEP Burke.
