Mayo County Council will host an awards night on Thursday November 5 in Áras an Chontae, Castlebar, to celebrate the excellent standards attained and the progress achieved by both the local authority abattoirs and small meat manufacturing premises that are under the regulatory remit of the council.
Since the introduction of the Hygiene Package in 2006 there have been many changes to the regulations laying down the requirements of food law. It is a credit to the food businesses operators that they have risen admirably to the challenge of implementing them.
Mayo County Council Veterinary Department oversees 26 premises, 16 of which are abattoirs that supply their own butcher shops along with many other local butcher shops with beef, lamb, and pork. The 10 small meat manufacturing premises produce a range of products such as sausages, puddings, and hams to both the local and national markets.
These premises are staffed by experienced teams of people who are passionate about great food. It is their experience and attention to detail, which became evident in the recent dioxin crisis, that ensures the food produced is to an extremely high standard.
These awards, in what was a very trying year for the industry, are recognition of the very good work done by the teams, and will not only be a source of encouragement for the industry but also will be a source of confidence for consumers in the food produced locally here in Mayo.
A large crowd associated with the industry is expected on the night. Councillor John Cribben, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council; Des Mahon, county manager; Jim Higgins MEP, and many county councillors will be in attendance. A sample of the products produced by the industry will be served on the night.
