MENUS could soon include beef a la country of origin if the Consumers' Association of Ireland has its way.
Restaurants, office and school canteens and fast-food outlets should inform consumers of the origin of the beef they are serving, the CAI has said. Recent reports of beef imports from Germany had highlighted the need for consumers to be provided with better information about the origins of their food at both retail and food service level.
Mr Dermott Jewell, the CAI chief executive, said the current situation was giving rise to considerable concern and confusion for consumers.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland chief executive, Mr Henry O'Neill, said he was not aware of any RAI member not serving Irish beef. "Our members source meat responsibly. If we can get the information from suppliers we would have no problem passing it on. As it is, there are a number of restaurants, particularly in the rural areas, who take pride in serving beef sourced locally."
The chief executive of the Licensed Vintners' Association said "the public should not have any undue concern about eating beef sandwiches in pubs". As far as he was aware it was the policy of LVA members to source Irish products, and beef was no exception.
The chief executive of the Irish Hotels Federation, Mr John Power, said the organisation would be issuing guidelines to members in the next few days. These would draw attention to the need to maintain consumer confidence. "I think that those who don't already mention that they are using Irish beef will soon do so."