Ireland’s dairy sector had reason to celebrate after it was one of the countries to pass an audit by the Chinese authorities, which means that Irish plants have been found to meet fully the standards of China’s new food safety laws.
The Chinese authorities have conducted an inspection audit of the dairy production chain, with a focus on infant formula exporting plants, in several countries over the past few months, and Ireland was one of the few to pass.
Irish dairy exports to China were worth €170 million in 2013, an increase from just €50 million in 2011.
The Agriculture Minister said;
“The abolition of dairy quotas this time next year will be an historic moment for Irish agriculture and will mean the Irish dairy sector can start to fully realise its potential in key markets such as China.”