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Five non-compliant meat products containing unlabelled types of meat were uncovered as a result of DNA testing by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) last year.
The meat products were sold to customers through shops and restaurants, with two of the products found to contain unlabelled meat from other EU countries.
The five unlabelled meat samples were discovered after DNA testing on 39 meat samples carried out by the FSAI last year.
The information received under a Freedom of Information request by the Irish Farmers Journal also followed an investigation conducted by the Health and Service Executive (HSE) into the matter.
“On investigation, it was determined that two of the samples were manufactured in another EU state,” the HSE stated, while adding that the further three samples indicated a low-level of contamination “as a result of adventitious contamination or carry-over on chopping boards.”
According to the HSE, the cases involving other EU meat were referred back to FSAI, while the other cases were followed up with inspections and discussions with staff.
The HSE stated that no formal sanctions had been taken.
Unlabelled meat found in the products included, lamb, beef and pork.
The FSAI stated they were “precluded from law” from identifying the brand names or restaurants from which the food was sold.
The FSAI also stated that the specific country of origin of the unlabelled EU meat had not been reported to it.
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