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The head of Meat Industry Ireland (MII), Cormac Healy, has welcomed the news that the Chinese authorities will fast-track the inspection process for Irish beef and sheep plants.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the Minister and DAFM officials on China access and stress that meat processing companies have invested significant time and resources to achieve greater access for Irish meat to China,” Healy said.
August inspection
However, he added that the August inspection date could add delays to exports.
“It would have been preferable had they granted pre-registration/approval immediately,” he said. “The delay in getting additional processing plants approved limits the ability of the sector to grow exports of Irish beef to China and also to take advantage of current meat protein shortages in that market.”
Sheepmeat
The head of MII also said that the inclusion of the inspection process to cover sheepmeat processing plants was very welcome. Currently there are seven Irish beef plants approved for export of frozen beef to China, as well as five pigmeat plants.
A further 12 factories applied for export approval in November 2018, but are still waiting.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said that he hopes if additional plants are approved that Irish meat exports to China could double.
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