IFA establishes its own food safety taskforce

THE CONSEQUENCES of non-compliance with food safety regulations would be disastrous for our reputation as food producers, Prof…

THE CONSEQUENCES of non-compliance with food safety regulations would be disastrous for our reputation as food producers, Prof Patrick Wall told the Irish Farmers’ Association agm yesterday.

“It is essential that we continue to identify emerging trends and evaluate interventions,” he said at the announcement of the organisation’s own food safety taskforce.

The taskforce will assess all risks and the necessary actions, including inspections, required to prevent the recurrence of the feed contamination, which led to the pork recall last month.

Prof Wall said the taskforce was an excellent initiative and he was happy to be associated with it.

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Referring to the feed contamination, he praised the role of the European Food Safety Authority in the aftermath of the recall. “The agency was quick to respond to the developing situation in the global market and played a key role in reassuring consumers at a time of intense media coverage,” he said.

On the traceability problems beyond the factory gate, Prof Wall said Ireland had to match the practicality with the commercial viability. “In the global food business, protecting the reputation of Ireland the Food Island is essential.”

Yesterday too, Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith launched Animal Health Ireland, which aims to improve overall animal health standards and secure improved profitability for farmers and international competitiveness of livestock products.

The initiative gives effect to a commitment in the programme for government to introduce a Herd Health Initiative for non-regulated diseases and conditions.