Claims over illegal slaughterhouse raids false

I REFER to an recent article by Patsy McArdle in the Irish Examiner headed “Probe into claims beef ‘pirates’ are selling meat door-to-door” (Jan 9) which claims that “Department of Agriculture officials are believed to have already led a number of raids in the Donegal area in a bid to detect illegal slaughterhouses”.

The allegations made in this case do not stand up to scrutiny and I can confirm that there is no such investigation at present. This department, in tandem with the FSAI and Local Authority Veterinary Service, is of course constantly vigilant in this matter and corrective action is taken where necessary.

Consumer confidence in the safe and hygienic production of our food products is vital to the continued success of the industry at both national and international level. Stringent EU hygiene regulations apply to the production of meat. This department has responsibility for the implementation of those regulations in the 154 largest meat plants, of which 49 are slaughter plants. Smaller slaughter plants are approved and supervised by the local authority veterinary service.

The controls which are in place are recognised internationally as being very effective and this has contributed to the development of our very successful meat export industry.

It goes without saying that if anyone has knowledge of suspected illegal activity concerning the slaughter of animals, it should be reported immediately to the gardaí who will pursue the matter in close co-operation with this department.

Martina Kearney

Press and Information Officer

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine