Press Release
Issued 1st March 2008

Water, Water Everywhere…
Consumer Choice Calls on Authorities to Clean Up Their Act As Consumer Confidence in Water Supplies Reaches Appalling & Costly Low

The March issue of Consumer Choice Magazine - the only independently written, researched and published consumer affairs magazine in Ireland - is now available and is packed full of information and expert opinions for the Irish consumer. In this months edition, researcher Aisling Murtagh reports on Ireland’s water quality and calls on national & local authorities to clean up their act to tackle decreasing consumer confidence in the quality of our drinking water.

According to Consumer Choice magazine, water purification systems can remove compounds from water at the tap end. But this should not be necessary if regulation and monitoring of water supplies is effective and efficient. The report also states that consumers should not need to install systems that purify water, as it is a basic necessity for healthy living and yet trust in our water supplies is at an appalling and costly low for consumers. “Clearly, many of the national and local authorities in which consumers place their trust have failed to meet their responsibilities,” says Consumer Choice’s Aisling Murtagh. “Inefficiency must not be accepted as a reason for the abysmal quality that the Irish consumer receives at present.”

This month Consumer Choice magazine also examines other topical issues concerning the Irish consumer including Brazilian beef, which has hit the headlines again after the EU partially lifted its ban; genetically modified (GM) foods and personal loans also come under the spotlight this month.

Consumer Choice takes an in-depth look at the Brazilian beef industry, which is being reintroduced into the Irish market this week following the partial lifting of an EU ban. Aisling Murtagh reports on the key areas of interest for Irish consumers; traceability, animal medicines and foot and mouth regulations in Brazil and compares them against the standards required within the EU.

Recent research shows 62% of consumers are worried about GM foods and this month Consumer Choice examines the labelling of GM foods and the presence of GM additives in pre-packaged goods. The magazine calls for a labelling system to be put in place for GM foods similar to those for organic food labelling to make GM food products much more identifiable to the consumer.

Also under the spotlight in March’s Consumer Choice John Cradden presents a comprehensive guide for consumers seeking a personal loan and payment protection insurance. The regular product comparative features this month include reports on microwaves, cordless telephones and wireless technology.