The message that Irish food is safe and wholesome was relayed yesterday by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to tourists and consumers abroad.
The authority reiterated that foot-and-mouth affected animals and posed no risk to human health.
Its chief executive, Dr Patrick Wall, said there was a mistaken belief that the disease was related to the safety of food. He wanted to emphasise to tourists and consumers abroad that Irish food was safe.
"Overseas consumers of Irish food and potential visitors can be assured that there is no risk in eating Irish food or visiting Ireland," he said. Any such concerns, while understandable, were unfounded and must be allayed.
"Ireland prides itself on the unique quality of its food. It has tight controls and legislation over all sectors of its food industry. The rigorous control and audit structure that is in place ensures that our reputation as a producer of safe food of high quality is protected and consumers can be confident about the safety of the food they purchase," Dr Wall stressed.
Each element of the food chain, from farmers to manufacturers and retailers, had a legal obligation to provide food that was safe and the authority had the power to check that they were doing so.
"We are encouraging the commitment of all sectors of the food and hospitality industry to maintain the safety of Irish food and make Ireland an internationally renowned centre of excellence for the production of safe food of high quality," he said.
The authority was working to ensure uncompromised and independent verifiable assurances on the safety of Ireland's food products, by ensuring that food complied with legal requirements and recognised codes of good practice, Dr Wall added.
Also, as the competent authority responsible for the enforcement of food safety legislation, the authority liaised closely with EU food safety officials.