Unacceptable residues in food of animal origin are down by 50% since 2006, says department

UNACCEPTABLE residues were found in 24 out of 30,409 samples (0.08%) from Irish food of animal origin tested in 2007.

This is a 50% decrease from the 0.17% of positives detected in 2006. It compares with 0.20% residues in Irish food of animal origin in 2005, and 0.39% in 2004.

Samples are taken from food-producing animals, from animal produce at farm level, and from primary processing and packing plants.