The EU this afternoon decided to permit the importation of beef from 106 farms in Brazil.
Last month, imports from Brazil were completely banned because they did not meet the same production requirements as meat from European farms.
This evening, Fine Gael agriculture spokesman Michael Creed said there is not a level playing pitch between Brazilian and European farmers, and once again Brazilian beef which does not meet the same environmental or animal welfare standards has unhindered access to the European market.
IFA president Padraig Walshe said the move was highly irresponsible and politically expedient.
He said EU Commissioner Markos Kyprianou had made a mockery of European food traceability standards.
The president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, Malcolm Thompson, said he was stunned and disappointed.
He said it was inconceivable that the Brazilians should be taken at their word, without full inspections, given their history of unreliability.
While the leader of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Jackie Cahill, said the roll-over by the commission is as predictable as it is disappointing.
