IFA call on consumers to be aware of quality assurance logo

IRELAND - IFA Pigs and Pigmeat Chairman Michael Maguire has called on consumers to become more aware of the Quality Assurance logo.
calendar icon 6 April 2007
clock icon 4 minute read
Mr Maguire said “as the Minister for Agriculture has not yet honoured commitments to introduce country of origin labelling of meats other than beef, consumers must rely on the Quality Assurance logo as proof that the product is Irish and therefore meets the high standards that the consumer demands.”

Just last week, Irish pig producers attended seminars to familiarise themselves with the latest set of measures to be introduced to the Quality Assurance Scheme bringing it on a level par with the beef scheme. To meet this standard involves certain parameters including the introduction of an independent governing board, a comprehensive internal quality management system as well as the detailed operational procedures for the scheme to be certified.

The Chairman said “implementing of such controls are of great benefit to consumers but ultimately mean an increased work load and paper trail for the pig producer who is already swimming under the legislative burden of the Nitrates Regulations and the EPA acts.”

Mr. Maguire complimented the processors and retailers that are actively using the label and making use of it in their promotion and advertisement. “It is a shame that at least one of the larger processors is not using the scheme and is therefore almost certainly diluting the market with questionable product,” he added.IFA Pigs and Pigmeat Chairman Michael Maguire has called on consumers to become more aware of the Quality Assurance logo.

Mr Maguire said “as the Minister for Agriculture has not yet honoured commitments to introduce country of origin labelling of meats other than beef, consumers must rely on the Quality Assurance logo as proof that the product is Irish and therefore meets the high standards that the consumer demands.” Just last week, Irish pig producers attended seminars to familiarise themselves with the latest set of measures to be introduced to the Quality Assurance Scheme bringing it on a level par with the beef scheme. To meet this standard involves certain parameters including the introduction of an independent governing board, a comprehensive internal quality management system as well as the detailed operational procedures for the scheme to be certified.

The Chairman said “implementing of such controls are of great benefit to consumers but ultimately mean an increased work load and paper trail for the pig producer who is already swimming under the legislative burden of the Nitrates Regulations and the EPA acts.” Mr. Maguire complimented the processors and retailers that are actively using the label and making use of it in their promotion and advertisement. “It is a shame that at least one of the larger processors is not using the scheme and is therefore almost certainly diluting the market with questionable product,” he added.

The IFA Pigs Chairman said “pig prices are in the doldrums and the price of feed has rocketed, eroding any profits It is imperative that those buying pork products look for the label and buy Irish. It is only through consumer awareness and the acknowledgement of quality Irish products that we can assure the consumer that quality Irish pigmeat will continue to be available in the future."

The IFA Pigs Chairman said “pig prices are in the doldrums and the price of feed has rocketed, eroding any profits It is imperative that those buying pork products look for the label and buy Irish. It is only through consumer awareness and the acknowledgement of quality Irish products that we can assure the consumer that quality Irish pigmeat will continue to be available in the future.”

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