The Irish Farmers' Association has called on Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea to investigate the purchase of Brazilian beef by the Army for Irish soldiers.
It follows confirmation that 500 ration packs, prepared by a British company for Irish soldiers on training exercises, contained Brazilian beef.
A spokesman for the Defence Forces said that although the number represented only a small portion of the amount of rations produced, an examination of the issue would take place.
The spokesman also pointed out that the European Union has said beef from Brazil is safe to eat.
However, the chairman of the IFA Livestock Committee, John Bryan, claimed it was a disgrace that beef from Brazil was being brought in the back door by the State to feed Irish troops.
