The Czech Presidency has indicated in a reply to Marian Harkin MEP in the European Parliament in Strasbourg that they hoped to finalise the issue of frozen poultry meat being sold as fresh by the end of May. This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin after a discussion in the Parliament with the Czech Presidency on the issue. 

Marian Harkin said:- "There are many issues that need to be resolved in regard to labelling of poultry meat and, in particular, country of origin labelling but there is also the issue of frozen poultry meat coming from outside the EU being defrosted,  processed and sold as fresh. In the Parliament this week I questioned the Czech Presidency about their plans to deal with this matter.  The Minister responded to my question in a positive manner stating that the Czech Presidency has discussed in the European Council the necessity to prevent poultry meat which was frozen being sold as fresh.

“He confirmed that they have proposals on the table and is hoping that a compromise will be reached by May - in fact he said he hoped it would be positive.

"I have consistently lobbied on this matter, as accurate labelling with regard to Country of origin, and whether a product is fresh or frozen, is hugely important to Irish poultry producers. It is vitally important that we don’t lose this indigenous industry and that chicken growers who have invested in their business can have some security and a level playing pitch on which to operate. We are making progress on country of origin labelling but more needs to be done.  However on the issue of frozen chicken being sold as fresh it looks as if we can hope for a good outcome." Marian Harkin MEP concluded.