CATERERS REQUIRED TO DISPLAY ORIGIN OF BEEF

New Leaflet Detailing New Beef Labelling Requirements Available

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published a new leaflet to assist caterers understand and implement the recent beef labelling requirements.

The Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations, 2006 requires all caterers to provide information on the country of origin of beef, in certain circumstances, that they sell on their premises to customers.

Caterers must provide information on where the animal was born, reared and slaughtered in a clearly visible and legible manner. It can be displayed on menus, or on a sign in the premises or in the window of a food establishment.  

The new labelling initiative will help consumers make informed decisions on the beef they select in hotels, restaurants, public houses and canteens.

It is in the interests of consumers to be given this information, as it empowers them to make more informed decisions.

The Regulations stipulate that the information must state the country or countries of origin of the animal; where the animal was born, reared and slaughtered.  Caterers are also required to state if beef from more than one source is supplied to the establishment.

Beef covered by these Regulations includes beef brought into the establishment as fresh and frozen cuts (including mince) and beef which has been cooked or otherwise prepared for human consumption in the caterer’s establishment.  It also includes beef cuts (including mince) brought into the food business already cooked and subsequently served to customers.  Certain beef types are not covered by the Regulations and these include; beef dishes and minced beef dishes brought in by the caterer in a pre-prepared state or beef in sandwiches which are delivered pre-made to the caterer.

A copy of the leaflet and further information on the country of origin of beef labelling requirements can be obtained by calling the FSAI Advice Line on 1890 336677 or by visiting the website at  www.fsai.ie

CONTACT:

Dermott Jewell : 01 – 497 8600
Consumers’ Association of Ireland
43-44 Chelmsford Road,
Ranelagh
Dublin 6.