Consumers Should Be Informed Of Origin Of Meat

400 Delegates told at IHF's 63rd AGM

To enable consumers make informed choices the Irish Hotel's Federation (IHF) has urged its 900 members to display the origin of beef where possible on food menus in their premises. Speaking today at the IHF's Annual Conference in Kilkenny, Mary Fitzgerald, President of the IHF said that in today's environment of heightened consumer concern and media interest surrounding the issue of BSE and food safety generally, a certain amount of confusion on the matter exists. She said hoteliers have a unique opportunity to alleviate confusion for their patrons by being in a position to supply information on the traceability of the source of food products they use.

Ms Fitzgerald stated it is vital that confidence be maintained in Irish food among our customers.

"We have been assured by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland that Irish prime beef today is probably as safe as beef has ever been. This is due in part to the stringent controls that were put in place in 1996 to inhibit access to contaminated meat and bone meal", says Mary Fitzgerald. "Obviously there is still some confusion among consumers as to what beef they are eating when dining out. We would strongly urge all hotels and guesthouses who have beef on their menus, to state its origin. If it is Irish beef we should be stating it clearly. This will help alleviate some of the concern that may exist and consumers can be confident that the beef they are eating is perfectly safe".

She also stated that in many overseas tourism markets Ireland has become known as the 'healthy food island'. Ireland's image of a clean, green country with wholesome food is fundamental to the images being portrayed about Ireland abroad. It is essential that this image be maintained and critical to this, is our own citizen's understanding and acknowledging of the safety of Irish food.

"We are all familiar with the image being promoted abroad of Ireland as a clean, green place to visit. But in more recent times, it has succeeded in becoming known as a destination for producing the highest quality food produce and for its culinary excellence. As part of our overall tourism product, we need to work to protect this image abroad, to ensure that the excellent work being carried out by Bord Bia also for this purpose, is maximised", continued Mary Fitzgerald.

Mary Fitzgerald added that consumer confidence, once damaged, can be very difficult to rebuild. She said that other suppliers of beef such as butchers and supermarkets have maintained consumer confidence in their products by providing their customers with guarantees of traceability. It would now be wise she said, for hotels and guesthouses to do likewise.