The Agri-Food Regulator has confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that it has initiated proceedings against Co Clare-based processor Asba Meats, adding that the matter is due before the courts early next month.
The regulator said the proceedings were initiated under the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain (Unfair Trading) Regulations 2023 and are related to the non-payment of a number of suppliers for animals presented for slaughter at Asba Meats.
In November 2024, the regulator secured a conviction against Asba Meats for a breach of the unfair trading practices regulations as a result of the non-payment for animals delivered for slaughter by a farmer in the west of Ireland.
Current proceedings
The current proceedings concern the non-payment for animals from a number of suppliers, according to the regulator, suggesting that there is more than one farmer involved this time.
A former employee of Asba Meats secured an award of €60,000 in damages in Ennis Circuit Court on 9 October, arising from an injury sustained while working for the processor.
On 13 October, Ennis District Court issued a decree against Asba Meats in the amount of €22,614 concerning an unpaid Workplace Relations Commission unfair dismissal award.
In that district court case, Judge Alec Gabbett commented that his court has, in the last eight months, dealt with three separate legal proceedings against the halal-meat processor that “has all the hallmarks of the wheels coming off the wagon".
Solicitor for Asba Meats Colum Doherty said that “the intention is to maintain the wagon”.
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