Minister Meets Supermarkets Over Horsemeat

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has held a meeting with major supermarkets in Northern Ireland over the recent horsemeat scandal.

Food retailers in the UK have been told to carry out tests on their beef products, after it was discovered many supermarket-processed beef products contained up to 100% horsemeat.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: "I stressed to the supermarket representatives that 2012 was an exceptionally difficult year for our farmers, with incomes falling dramatically due to an number of factors out of their control. The horsemeat controversy is therefore a very unwelcome development so early in the New Year, and it is essential that the major supermarkets take this into consideration when dealing with the fallout from this serious issue for the industry.

"I made it clear that the cost of sampling food should fall on those businesses importing or utilising product which doesn’t have the authentication provided by our own local traceability systems and that such costs must not fall to our primary producers whose product is second to none."

The Minister also highlighted that beef from Northern Ireland is reared on a grass-based system and has a reputation as a premium product.

She said consumers can have absolute confidence that it is totally natural and of the highest quality available.

Minister O’Neill added: "The traceability controls in our agri-food supply chains are robust and well integrated which emphasises the benefits to consumers and businesses of purchasing local produce, not only due to the environmental, economic and social benefits but also the integrity and safety of our produce. This provides confidence and reassurance to concerned consumers who want to know where their food comes from and what it contains."

(IT)