Northern coldstore probe extends across Europe
A major probe into the running of a Northern Ireland meat coldstore has spread across Europe, it emerged tonight.
Investigators from the Food Standards Agency checking the legitimacy and distribution of beef, poultry and pork have alerted the European Commission.
The coldstore is operated by Euro Freeze (Ireland) Ltd at Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh.
Local authorities who have also been warned are attempting to trace companies to check if the meat came from proper sources, and that it has been handled correctly.
Paper and computer records are being studied as part of the FSA investigation into repackaging, re-labelling and distribution.
According to a statement tonight evidence uncovered so far has identified wide ranging distribution of the product in the UK and other member states of the EU, some of which its claimed is likely to be legitimate, and some which could be suspect.
Euro Freeze has been under investigation since August after chicken originating from China for importation into Northern Ireland via Greece was seized in Belfast and later destroyed.
The coldstore’s operating licence was suspended earlier this month after Department of Agriculture officials and police closed the premises.
Morris McAllister, the FSA’s Northern Ireland director confirmed the investigation was a complex one. Large amount of evidence were being scrutinised, he said.
He added: “At this stage, no specific food safety issues have been identified in relation to any particular products, but we are continuing to examine the evidence and will update as necessary.”
