What does the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) mark mean?
It means two things:-
Firstly it means that the product bearing the mark is quality assured. It has met the standards of the Bord Bia QAS both at processor and at farm level. Different systems of production are covered by the Bord Bia schemes for example for chicken conventional, free range and organic. For each system a specification is developed to the highest international standards which exceed the minimum regulations set by the EU.
Secondly the mark informs the consumer of the origin of the product. The following versions of the mark are in use:
For example where a product is produced entirely in the RoI it may carry the QAS mark in Fig 1. Where all production happens in Northern Ireland (NI) Fig 2 applies. Where some of the activity happens in both the RoI and NI Fig 3 is used. In the case of eggs a mark is stamped on each quality assured egg, see Fig 4. Eggs carrying this mark can be laid in RoI or NI and are all packed in QA packing plants in RoI.
What does Bord Bia promote under its QAS?
Bord Bia’s remit is to promote and develop markets for Irish food both at home and abroad. Bord Bia only promotes Irish food. Where promotion includes QAS product from NI this is co-financed by the NI industry for example current chicken promotion
Did you know?
You will find the Bord Bia Quality Mark on pre-packed bacon, beef, chicken, cooked ham, duck, pork and rashers. You will also find the Quality Mark on eggs, fruit and vegetables.
Bord Bia
Bord Bia operate a number of quality assurance schemes in the food sector. Food produced under these schemes carries a quality assured mark similar to this:
There are separate schemes for
Food Safety
Food Safety Authority
The FSAI has the primary responsibility for controlling the safety of food. It delegates some of its functions to other bodies such as the Health Services Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, but it retains the final responsibility.