Mairead McGuinness Fine Gael MEP

Mairead with Dr Geraldine Duffy, Dr Kaye Burgess and Dr Kieran Jordan.

Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness has praised the involvement of Irish research scientists in EU-funded projects on food traceability, quality and safety. But, she stressed, findings must be implemented.

Addressing a European Commission conference ‘What´s for lunch’ showcasing the research carried out under Framework Programme 6 (FP6), McGuinness said that the project’s findings, if implemented, could serve to enhance the EU’s response to food safety scares.

“Teagasc researchers have been involved in major research projects which will benefit the consumer and the food industry, not least in relation to beef through the prosafebeef project, which involved collaboration between EU member states and researchers in Australia, Brazil and Canada.

“In the aftermath of the BSE crisis the EU now has the most robust food chain traceability systems globally.

“This is based on research carried out under the Commission’s Framework Programme and the existence of the independent European Food Safety Authority.

“The EU has given the lead to other global players on food safety and much of our legislation is used as a model for others to follow,” she said.

McGuinness highlighted the need for public funding of research to continue in order to provide consumers with the confidence in the food chain.

“The EU is funding important research but that must be matched by a focus on implementing research findings.

“The knowledge of the lab and research facilities needs to be carried through into practical application, which can benefit industry and consumers,” she said.

However McGuinness said that the science of food safety and traceability must not neglect the pressing need for consumers to be informed rather than treated as ‘food zombies’.

“While research plays a key role in eliminating risks from the food supply chain, we must give consumers knowledge about food and issues relating to food safety.

“Knowledge is power and better informed consumers can be part of the drive for safer food by eliminating risks around food storage and handling in the home,” she added.