‘Ireland’s excellent food record should not be undermined’ – Brady after Newry horsemeat incident
Sinn Féin MLA Mickey Brady has said that it is important that public confidence in Irish meat is not undermined by the recent discovery of horsemeat at a food processing plant in Newry.
As Newry Times reported earlier today, the horsemeat was among a consignment at Freeza Meats, based in Newry’s Greenbank Industrial Estate.
According to the Food Standards Agency, 12 samples were carried out at Freeza Meats and two came back positive for containing horse meat at 80%.
Speaking to Newry Times, Brady said it was really important that people can trust food processors to maintain the highest standards in the production of food.
“I am disappointed that horse meat has been found at Freeza meats in Newry and welcome the intervention of the Food Standard Agency to investigate how this came about.
“Ireland has an excellent record in food production and food safety and this must not be undermined by these latest revelations as the vast majority of processors meet and exceed the highest standards set.
“This latest incident will cause further worry to both farmers and people working in the food industry in an already difficult financial period, as people may begin to question the quality of the food supplied,” Brady continued.
“Irish farmers meet the highest standards so I cannot understand the necessity to import any raw materials which are readily available in this country. We should be supporting local farmers and local products sourced here in Ireland.
He added, “I hope these issues can be resolved as a matter of urgency as a full investigation is underway and I would ask everyone to co-operate with the Food Standard Agency to ensure confidence in Irish food is maintained.”
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