Meat Hygiene Service to inspect coldstores

Thursday 15 December 2005

Ref: 2005/0623

The Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland (FSANI) investigation into a meat coldstore operated by Euro Freeze (Ireland) Ltd, in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh is continuing. As a result of the on-going investigations, Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) auditors will today begin a series of visits to all licensed coldstores (red and white meat) in Northern Ireland.

The main focus will be on whether product bearing illicit health marks is present in any of those coldstores.

Dr Jon Bell, Chief Executive of the FSA said: 'The ongoing Euro Freeze (Ireland) Ltd investigation has highlighted some possible issues around operation and supervision of coldstores in Northern Ireland.

'It is important that we do not wait until the investigation is complete before establishing whether the system is largely working well or whether there are more widespread grounds for concern.

'This investigation may offer reassurance, or it may identify areas for remedial action. Either way, it is important that there is external scrutiny of the system and we identify any specific issues where action may need to be taken.'

Two teams of eight MHS auditors are starting work today and over five working days will visit all 37 licensed coldstores in Northern Ireland.

The MHS will feed back to the Food Standards Agency on its findings and any areas identified for improvement or action in relation to the operation and supervision of coldstores in Northern Ireland.

Supervision of coldstores in Northern Ireland is undertaken by veterinary inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) acting on behalf of FSANI.