Sir, - Last week two foodrelated issues were highlighted which reflect strangely contradictory and illogical approaches by our authorities towards safeguarding the health of consumers.
Firstly, in the case of genetically modified ingredients in our food, the EU and Irish authorities seem quite unperturbed about what is in effect the widest ranging experiment ever carried out with public health. The long-term effects of eating genetically modified foods may be guessed at but are strictly unquantifiable. In the case of genetically modified soya alone, it may appear in 70 per cent of our processed foods. And it is only as a result of consumer pressure that the authorities have reluctantly agreed that a degree of labelling of these foods is to be made compulsory so that consumers will be allowed to select what they want to eat.
Secondly, regulations have recently been drawn up by the Department of Agriculture which will make it virtually impossible for our world-class farmhouse cheesemakers to use unpasteurised milk, in order, according to the Department, to protect the health of consumers. In effect the likes of Milleens, which recently won the coveted Supreme Award at the British Cheese Awards in London, may never again taste as good.
Unlike genetically modified foods, farmhouse cheeses made from raw milk have a proud track record of high standards of production and safety in consumption, and the producers have been happy to declare the use of unpasteurised milk on their labels, thereby ensuring consumer choice is maintained. - Yours, etc., Jill Bell,
Midleton,
Co Cork.