DNA testing of meat should be 'permanent'

Gabriel Gilmartin, the president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA), has welcomed European Commission proposals to implement a three-month programme of random DNA testing on meat products, but says the arrangement should be made permanent throughout the meat processing industry.Repeating his call for compulsory DNA testing to be carried out by the competent authorities in each state, on an unannounced inspection basis, Mr Gilmartin said this would be a straightforward process in terms of secondary meat processing units.But, he cautioned: "It would be more difficult in relation to meat traders, many of whom don't appear to work from fixed premises. I am therefore urging a clampdown on the meat trading industry. There needs to be a complete review of the role of meat traders and it seems that there is an urgent need to look at what licensing conditions should be imposed on them."