Carroll’s Cuisine have defended their offering of oven-baked ham in Ireland that was produced in Belgium.

Pig farmers took to Twitter this week to raise their concerns about the use of imported pigmeat in the product.

At present, prices in Ireland are at a 15-year low and there are safety concerns surrounding pig herds on continent due to African swine fever. Up to 4,000 pigs are to be slaughtered in Belgium due to the risk of the disease in the province of Luxembourg.

Irish authorities have requested citizens and visitors not to bring pork products into the country from Europe or other affected countries.

Statement

In a statement to the Irish Farmers Journal, Carroll’s who are based in Tullamore, Co Offaly said: “This continental-type product is produced using a different cure than we use in Ireland. We believe in offering our consumers a choice.

"Our customers have been purchasing this unique product for many years. Carroll’s continues to support Irish pork and is one of the largest purchasers of Irish pigmeat.”

Protests

In recent weeks, pig farmers have held a series of protests in SuperValu stores across Ireland due to Musgrave’s stocking imported pigmeat from Holland.

This week saw a price increase of 4c/kg, bringing the total price to €1.38/kg. According to chair of the IFA’s Southern Region Pigs Committee Tom Sherman farmers still require an increase between 12c/kg and 14c/kg.

Additional reporting by Hannah Quinn Mulligan.

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