News lifts 'cloud' over Irish pigmeat

REACTION:FARM ORGANISATIONS, political parties and State bodies have welcomed the European Food Safety Authority's finding that Irish pork is safe to eat.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) said "the cloud over Irish pork and bacon" had been removed now that the products had been given the all-clear.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said Irish processors must now "demonstrate their reliability as suppliers and deliver product to the stores immediately".

Fine Gael agriculture spokesman Michael Creed said the news should be used as a platform to rebuild Ireland's good name as a meat producer.

"It is good to hear that product which has been certified as safe and not originating from the farms affected by the contamination is beginning to return to the shops," he said.

"The damage done to our reputation by the contamination scare and the spin which may have been put on it by our rivals in the marketplace must be reversed through a political, diplomatic and marketing offensive."

Labour Party agriculture spokesman Seán Sherlock said a strong political response to the news was required, as it brought Ireland one step closer to completely allaying consumer fears.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland also welcomed the assessment. "The European Food Safety Authority's opinion provides another reassurance to consumers that there is no cause for concern and any risk to health is extremely low for consumers," said Alan Reilly, deputy chief executive of the authority.

The Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia last night issued a consumer update stating that Irish pork and bacon had been approved.

The update said a new label was to be placed on Irish pigmeat products to reassure consumers.

The label will be carried by pork and bacon products made before September 1st and after December 6th, as well as on products produced between these dates that the department has verified as being unaffected.