Concerns have been raised into a number of suspected breaches of labelling requirements for potatoes sold in the Republic of Ireland.

An unnamed packer selling 2kg bags of Queens potatoes to multiple outlets in Donegal has failed to meet the full labelling specifications required under Irish law.

Thomas McKeown, IFA potato committee chair, said: “We’ve found numerous examples of shops in the northwest selling these bags of potatoes, which do not comply with the labelling requirements.”

The bags fail to include a number of pieces of information including the packer’s and grower’s registration number. “This leaves us to question the exact country of origin for these potatoes,” explains Thomas.

Under the Food Standards (Potatoes) Regulations 1977 and 1996 and the Registration of Potato Growers and Potato Packers Act 1984, potato bags must include this information. The IFA intends on carrying out further analysis including DNA testing to determine the exact origins and variety of the potatoes.