Green Party Senator Malcolm Noonan has prepared legislation for the Seanad that would require all meat imported into Ireland from South American countries under the EU-Mercosur trade agreement to be clearly labeled with the phrase "Mercosur Meat".

Under the proposed bill, the label would have to appear in a font size no smaller than the largest text on the product's packaging, excluding the brand name. The draft rules mandate that the origin marking be clearly visible and legible, without being obscured, visually interrupted, or diluted by surrounding graphics or text.

The requirement would apply to meat products originating from Mercosur member states, including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The Green Party stated that the legislation aims to provide consumers with transparency regarding production standards, pesticide use, and carbon footprints, while offering shoppers the choice to support Irish agriculture.

The proposal comes amid ongoing European debates over the trade deal. Although the European Council approved the EU-Mercosur agreement earlier this year, Ireland joined countries such as France, Poland, Austria, and Hungary in opposing it. The European Parliament subsequently voted 334 to 324 to seek an assessment from the European Court of Justice on whether the deal aligns with EU treaties, though the European Commission began provisionally applying the trade pact on May 1.

Agricultural standards and food safety remain key points of contention across the bloc. Concerns were further highlighted after the European Commission suspended meat imports from Brazil over issues related to antibiotic usage and traceability.

Senator Noonan acknowledged that he was not confident the Irish Government would support the proposed bill. However, he stressed that the measure is intended to press the issue of food origin transparency, animal welfare standards, and protection for Irish farmers against lower-standard imports.