FG calls for new Irish food label

Grocery shoppers should have a better idea of whether or not their produce was grown in the Republic, according to Fine Gael.

Grocery shoppers should have a better idea of whether or not their produce was grown in the Republic, according to Fine Gael.

Green Ireland would be a simple, easily-recognisable label with the aim of making all Irish food instantly distinct from that of other countries, Fine Gael said yesterday in a statement.

The label would apply to all Irish food products, including meat from animals certified as born, bred and slaughtered in the State, and could be used for Irish food sold via the internet, the release stated.

"As things stand, the plethora of Irish food labels is increasingly confusing for consumers," said Denis Naughten TD, Fine Gael spokesman on agriculture and food.

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Shoppers would be guaranteed that all products carrying the Green Ireland label would be fully quality assured, 100 per cent Irish and produced and processed to the highest standard.

Loopholes in State labelling laws allow products from overseas to be passed off as Irish after undergoing nominal processing on the island, such as adding breadcrumbs to chicken, according to Mr Naughten.

The Green Ireland label would allow Irish consumers to distinguish native food from foreign competition and capitalise on the State's reputation abroad for quality food production.

The Department of Agriculture and Food already has the funding in place for this programme, Mr Naughten said.