While the proposed labelling would add administrative constraints, it could mean that in a post-Brexit market, Irish beef could maintain a good point of attraction if it complies with the potential new requirements.

Irish beef relies largely on the UK market, with over 54% of its exports to Britain in 2015.

The BVA wants this labelling to be underpinned with strong welfare outcome safeguards and on-farm welfare assessments, which ensure that high standards are being achieved.

President of BVA Sean Wensley said: “For vets, it’s a top priority that the animals we rear for food have a good life and a humane death. Research shows that vets are not alone in caring about where the food comes from.”

“Mandatory method of production labelling makes sense on a number of fronts: consumers can be clearly and consistently informed about how the animals reared for their meat and dairy products were kept, with on-farm welfare assessments assuring high standards,” he added.

Mandatory method of production labelling already exists across the EU for shell eggs, which must legally state whether they are organic, free-range, barn or from caged hens.