The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has confirmed that Findus beef lasagne products, which tested positive for up to 100% horse meat, have been on sale in Ireland.
The FSAI has been in contact with Findus since last night to establish which retailers had been supplied the product.
Tesco withdrew the product from Irish shelves on Wednesday of this week, but did not notify the FSAI.
The FSAI is contacting the retail trade today to ensure the product is withdrawn from sale and is advising Irish consumers to check if they have purchased the product. They are advising consumers not to eat it, but to return it to the point of purchase.
The beef lasagne product has been withdrawn in the UK by Findus following information from its French supplier, Comigel that there was an issue in relation to the type of meat used.
According to Prof. Alan Reilly, Chief Executive, FSAI it is unknown at this point in time if these products pose a food safety risk, as tests have not been undertaken in the UK to establish if the veterinary medicine phenylbutazone is present in the product.
“It is our understanding that Findus is testing the products for the presence of phenylbutazone. Phenylbutazone is a commonly used medicine in horses and horses treated with it are not allowed to enter the food chain. Our advice to consumers at this point, is not to consume this product, but to dispose of it or return it to their retailer,” says Reilly.
