merrion street

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD welcomed laboratory test results received this evening that show that there is no presence of equine DNA in a range of beef burgers sampled by the Department from product manufactured by Liffey Meats in the period from 10th to 16th January 2013.

This is very positive news as it supports the claims of the company that they have addressed any concerns that arose from the findings of the FSAI survey in December which found very low trace levels of equine DNA in three of the Liffey Meats burger samples. It is worth noting that in its statement of 19th January 2013, the FSAI clarified “that where horse or pork meat is not used as an ingredient but is inadvertently or accidentally present at low levels, they would not be declared on the label”.

Investigations are continuing at an intensive level in relation to identifying the source of the equine DNA in the Silvercrest processing facility. This work includes further quantitative laboratory analysis of a range of samples (both burgers and raw ingredients). In addition, detailed analysis of records held by the company relating to the sourcing of ingredients and the incorporation of these ingredients in the manufactured burgers that have tested positive for equine DNA is being conducted.

The Minister said that he would announce further progress in relation to this investigation when conclusions have been arrived at in relation to the source of equine DNA. He reiterated what both he and the FSAI have already stated that there is no food safety risk from these findings. He also noted the Silvercrest decision to temporarily close down the entire plant and to work with the Department and FSAI to complete their investigation.