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After last nights revelation that the Food Standards Agency in the UK were investigating local company Freeza Meats, Newry and Mourne District Council’s Environmental Health Department have released a statement:
The Council’s Environmental Health Department can confirm that DNA tests on samples of burgers made at Freeza Meats were found to be free from non-beef DNA. These tests were completed immediately after the results of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s survey were issued.
However, twelve samples of Polish meat belonging to another company which is under investigation following the horse DNA results from Silvercrest were sent for DNA analysis. Two of these samples contained approximately 80% horse DNA. This meat had been detained for the last five months due to the condition of its wrapping and queries regarding its labelling and traceability.
The product was sampled as a result of the Food Standards Agency and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s on-going investigation. We can confirm that none of the meat was used in production and it will not be entering the food chain.
John Farrell, Newry & Mourne District Council’s Director of Environment, Health & Building Services has commended on the Environmental Health Officers involved whose diligent and thorough investigations have prevented further horse meat from entering the food chain. He also wishes to confirm that Freeza Meats of Newry have co-operated fully with our investigation.
