An inspection report received from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Britain has identified a number of issues with lab facilities at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
Making a statement in the Stormont Assembly chamber on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said the inspection related to licensing of facilities and work done on animal pathogens.
“There is no evidence of any breach or existential risk to public health or animal health, and immediate mitigations are in place to ensure that essential diagnostic and surveillance services continue safely. However, the report makes clear that significant improvements are needed,” he said.
The latest issue comes not long after concerns were raised about some animal welfare and environmental practices at AFBI’s Hillsborough farm, as well as a data breach incident identified in 2025.
Minister Muir told MLAs on Tuesday that he has set the board of AFBI three immediate challenges. The top priority is to address the issues identified in the HSE report.
The second is to work with DAERA to articulate a clear strategic direction for the organisation, while the third is to ensure farm operations meet the highest standards.
“AFBI is responsible for putting those matters right, in full and at pace. I have therefore asked the board to develop an overall organisational action plan,” said the Minister.
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