The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is working closely with the Local Authority Veterinary Service, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland regarding the theft of a container with a consignment of beef carcases from a Northern Ireland food business. A 40ft container filled with an estimated €50,000 to €60,000 worth of beef was recovered in Dundalk on Friday 6 December. The authorities have noted the theft of hind quarters from 36 carcases from the container.

Approved sources

As a result, the FSAI is reminding food businesses of their legal obligation to buy meat from approved sources. It is also reminding businesses to check all relevant documentation. Consumers are being warned against the purchase of meat from unregistered sources and unregistered online sales. The FSAI advises that there is a possible risk to public health if carcasses are not processed in an approved premises, in line with food safety and hygiene laws. Another potential risk arises from the fact that some of the beef carcases came from animals over 30 months of age, so the vertebral column must be treated as specified risk material (SRM).

Food safety requirements

“There is no way of knowing whether beef purchased from unregistered sources adhere to food safety requirements around cutting, storage and handling,” said Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive, FSAI.

“Proper cutting, storage and handling of beef at all times is a critical element in food safety management. As such, we are urging food businesses and consumers alike to be vigilant against purchasing beef from unregistered sources at any time.”

If you notice any suspicious sales of meat, please contact the FSAI immediately at info@fsai.ie.

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Container of beef carcases recovered in Dundalk

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