Commodity
Location(s): Dublin, Ireland
Process Verified Point(s):
- Irish Grass Fed Beef - Irish produced beef fed a diet greater than 90% grass (fresh weight) and at pasture for more than 220 days per year. See Bord Bia Grade Fed Beef for more information.
- Pasture Raised Beef - At pasture for more than 220 days per year (with a 40-day tolerance allowed where weather conditions, soil type and other environmental conditions are determined as an impeding factor to grazing outdoors). See Bord Bia Grade Fed Beef for more information.
- From Certified Sustainability Scheme - Verified sustainability programme from farmers to processors. See Origin Green Ireland for more information.
- Raised on Family Farms – farming family unit forms an essential part of the Irish beef culture. Over 120,000 small to medium-sized family farms are central to maintaining the traditional Irish rural landscape and society.
- Raised Without Use of Growth Hormones – Usage of growth promoters are prohibited in national legislation in Ireland and the EU.
- Responsible Use of Antibiotics – The use of antibiotics on farm is strictly controlled and only used when prescribed by a veterinarian for the treatment of sick or injured animals. Residue testing by the Department of Agriculture at factory level gives a further level of policing of this claim.
- Full Farm to Fork Traceability – All beef animals are fully traceable from birth to processing. Animals are identifiable through their double-ear tags, unique passport and the national computerized Animal Identification and Movement System (AIMS) traceability system. Traceability of the carcase continues through processing, manufacturing and packing.
- Certified Quality Assured Farms – Farms and processing facilities in Ireland are independently audited and certified to the Bord Bia relevant Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS). Each scheme is accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) to ISO17065 and includes key aspects such as food safety, traceability, environmental protection and welfare.
For more information on the USDA Process Verified Program and additional information on this specific program, visit the Livestock & Poultry Program’s Quality Assessment Division website.