AN BORD BIA does not believe the most recent British findings on the link between BSE in cattle and CJD in humans will have a significant effect on the Irish beef market.
Sales of Irish beef were higher this week in some retail outlets than at this time last year, a spokeswoman for An Bord Bia claimed yesterday.
Ms Patricia Murray said consumption dropped by over 40 per cent at the time of the BSE crisis in March but has recovered well. After the recent autumn beef promotion campaign, some retailers had reported the increase in sales she added.
Irish consumers have every confidence in the quality and integrity of Irish beef because Irish animal health controls are among the most rigorous in the world," she said. "Those in relation to BSE exceed those recommended by the scientific community and international health authorities."
Her belief was echoed by Mr Feargal Quinn, chief executive of the Superquinn supermarket chain. "We have picked up customers for our beef in recent months because of our quality assurance scheme, which has been in operation for over a year," Mr Quinn said. "People clearly want to know the source of the meat they are eating and we provide the name and address as well as a photograph of the farmer who supplied beef to a particular store every week.
"Speaking to people in the stores over the past couple of days I find a small number have given up beef since last March others say they ignore all advice about food and the majority have not changed their habits. I think the recent findings will create a little more concern but it is unlikely to change their habits significantly," he said.
Mr Noel O'Connor, a spokesman for the Irish Butchers' Association, said they will introduce a quality assurance scheme for all members on November 21st in an effort to reassure customers of the quality of Irish beef. "We have faced an uphill struggle since March and this is our response. We believe it will be foolproof."
Mr O'Connor, who runs a suckler herd as well as a butcher's shop at Wickham Street in Limerick, said the quality of Irish beef is first class. "No one else can put out beef of the same quality as Irish producers. Visit any mart and the cattle you will find there would beat those from any other country hands down.
"The number of cases of BSE in Ireland has been infinitesimal in relation to the size of the national herd, and every study, including this latest one, does not prove 100 per cent that there is a connection between BSE and CJD. I have followed the situation closely and it still is only speculative," he said.
He called for a positive approach by all to the current crisis. "I would appeal to the politicians, the farmers and the butchers to unite and prevent any further damage being done to the industry. Politicians should not be using beef to score political points.
The Consumer Association has called for the setting up of an independent food safety agency. Ms Caroline Gill said existing agencies are market driven and such an agency would focus on providing clear and accurate information to the consumer.