Ireland Issues Passports for Cows to Strengthen Food Safety, Traceability

Ireland Issues Passports for Cows to Strengthen Food Safety, Traceability

Ireland operates one of the world’s most comprehensive livestock tracking systems, with every cow in the country officially issued a passport that documents its unique identification number, date of birth, and family lineage.

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The passport system allows authorities to trace each animal from the farm where it is born through markets, transport, and processing facilities across its entire lifespan. Every movement is carefully recorded, providing full visibility within the meat supply chain.

Officials say the initiative plays a critical role in maintaining Ireland’s high food safety standards. By enabling rapid traceability, the system helps prevent and contain disease outbreaks while ensuring accountability at every stage of production.

For consumers, the passport system offers reassurance about the origin, quality, and safety of Irish beef. It provides transparency that allows buyers to trust that the meat they purchase meets strict regulatory and health standards.

Ireland’s livestock passport programme is widely regarded as a global benchmark for animal identification and food safety compliance, and is frequently cited by other countries seeking to develop or improve their own traceability systems.

Ireland Issues Passports for Cows to Strengthen Food Safety, Traceability