IFA President John Bryan has strongly criticised the EU Commission for rushing through a trade deal with the Central American countries in Madrid this week involving up to 10,000 tonnes of beef imports, which he claims do not meet EU standards.

According to Mr Bryan, the EU/ Central American trade deal involving Nicaragua, Guatamala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama shows the “total disconnect” of President Barroso and the EU Commission as these countries fail to meet basic standards on food safety, animal welfare, health and disease control, tagging and traceability.

In contrast, Mr Bryan said the Commission impose the most stringent food safety standards and controls on European producers. “It is unbelievable that the EU would conclude a deal with these countries without any apparent attempt to verify their food safety standards or undertake FVO veterinary inspections on cattle production.” Mr Bryan also accused the Commission of adopting a policy of double standards in their trade negotiations.