Beef load ‘damaged in abattoir not transit’

A large quantity of beef was contaminated with faeces and other dirt in a Kerry abattoir before it was shipped out to a customer, a judge ruled yesterday.

Michael Sheahan, of Ring of Kerry Meats, in Glenbeigh, alleged at Limerick Circuit Court that 50 carcases were contaminated while going from his abattoir in a refrigerated trailer and claimed damages of €36,578 against Barna Transport, Newcastle West, Limerick.

Dismissing the claim, Judge Karen Fergus said she is satisfied the contamination occurred in the plaintiff’s abattoir before it was placed in the defendant’s container truck.