The trick of putting a Greek label on meat from abroad is costly for consumers, since local lamb and goat meat is more expensive than imports.

Greek producers say that imported livestock have been raised in poorer conditions, are less carefully fed, and are often animals bred for their wool or milk, which do not provide high-quality meat and so cost less.

Last year, the Ministry for Agricultural Development and Food announced an investigation into lawbreakers who were illegally putting Greek labels on imported meat. But, the ministry says, the public prosecutor’s office has not advised what progress has been made in the investigation.

Local production does not meet the increased demand in Greece for lamb and goat meat at Easter, and once again large amounts are expected to come from imports. Also, the avian flu scare has hit poultry farmers and raised consumption of lamb and goat meat.