One of the largest food processors in the country, the Arrow Group, last year bounced back from the impacts of the horse meat scandal to record a pre-tax profit of €19 million.

The horsemeat scandal contributed to one of the country’s largest food processors, the Co Waterford- based Arrow Group plunging into the red last year.

The horsemeat scandal hit profits last year at one of the country’s largest food processors, the Co Waterford-based Arrow Group.

QK Meats, a food company that knew about horsemeat contamination of its beef supply months before the Department of Agriculture discovered it, has admitted its actions in failing to notify the authorities “fell short”.

ABP chief executive Paul Finnerty — whose company supplied Tesco with beef burgers that turned out to be 29% horsemeat — has told Britain’s food committee it became clear on Jan 14 to 15 that the firm was “out of specification” because product was coming in from a combination of suppliers that were not approved.