Food Labelling

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Questions (550)

Martin Ferris

Question:

550. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the names of the two companies which he stated on 16 January 2013 were the sources of the contaminated product which found its way into burgers here, and whether either or both of those companies is owned in whole or in part by any of the Irish companies which imported the ingredients and processed the burgers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2881/13]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As I indicated in my statement on 16th January, the investigation into this matter is focusing on the individual ingredients used in the manufacture of the affected product. A number of these ingredients were imported into the State. There is no evidence from the investigation so far to show that the manufacturer knowingly imported equine meat to use in the production of these burgers. Further investigations and testing of product are ongoing, with a view to establishing the full facts.

In the circumstances it would be inappropriate at this point to name supplier companies.

I can advise that I am not aware of any evidence from enquiries to date which would suggest that the companies to which the Deputy refers are owned in whole or in part by the Irish companies which manufactured the burgers.