April 19, 2007

Irish caterers required to label beef origin on menus 
 

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published new regulations for caterers on labelling the origin and other information on beef served on their bill of fare.

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

Beef covered by these regulations includes beef brought into the establishment as fresh and frozen cuts (including minced) 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.

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.

The FSAI will be launching an advertising campaign as well as disperse leaflets to inform the industry and consumers of this new requirement.