“The FSA is, at present, carrying out a risk assessment on results obtained from the Republic of Ireland (RoI) in relation to samples of beef from herds in RoI that consumed contaminated feed. This work is being carried out in conjunction with authorities in RoI. The FSA will put in place appropriate measures based on this risk assessment.
“Members will also be aware that samples have been taken from detained carcasses in Northern Ireland abattoirs thought to have been derived from the herds in Northern Ireland that had consumed contaminated food. It is anticipated that the results for these tests will not be available until the end of the week.
“With regard to dairy products, one farm has been identified as having fed contaminated feed to dairy cattle. All milk from this farm has now been prevented from entering the food chain. All previous supplies of milk from this farm were sent to a single purchaser in the Republic of Ireland. The RoI authorities are aware of this situation. Again public health risk will be determined when an appropriate risk assessment has been completed.
“The FSA has advised me that, at this point in time, they have no evidence to suggest that consumers should stop eating beef. FSA has also advised that it is safe to drink milk.”
Notes to Editors:
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