All beef destined for Egypt will have to be tested BSE-free, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development confirmed yesterday as more details of the strict conditions being imposed on Ireland emerged.
This will mean additional testing as Egypt has said it will only take beef from cattle under 2 years old. The testing regime, ordered by the EU, only applies to cattle over 30 months old.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association yesterday expressed dismay at the introduction of a 24-month limit and asked how the industry could source suitable carcasses at this age.
Mr Charlie Reilly, president of the organisation, said to agree to the 24-month age limit would leave consumers with the misconception there was something wrong with older beef.
The Irish Meat Association, representing meat factories, warned that it would be several weeks before the meat plants could produce beef for the Egyptian market. "The detailed rules under which beef can be supplied to Egypt are not yet known," said Mr John Smith, the association's chief executive.
"Over the coming weeks, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development will engage in discussions with the Egyptian authorities on the veterinary certification that will apply and the manner in which Egyptian veterinary delegations will operate," he said. "Until these issues are resolved, the meat companies will not be able to produce beef for the Egyptian market."
The Irish Farmers Association, which has already threatened action against the meat plants if cattle prices do not rise, claimed some factories were paying higher prices for cattle yesterday because of improving markets.