Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Éamon Ó Cuív has called on the Taoiseach and Minister Simon Coveney to urgently raise the latest developments in the horsemeat controversy at EU level.
Deputy Ó Cuív commented: “The latest revelations that French frozen beef lasagne has tested positive for more than 60% horsemeat confirms that this is now a European-wide issue. This comes after news that Aldi and Asda have withdrawn more frozen beef product from their shelves because of the possible presence of equine DNA.
“I am calling on the Taoiseach and Minister Simon Coveney to raise this urgently with the Council of Ministers and the European Commission. There needs to be a pan-European check on all processed beef products. This would involve a comprehensive testing programme that would give us answers into how widespread the presence of equine DNA is in beef product is.
“What is also hugely concerning is the possible presence of the veterinary drug ‘bute’ in beef product, which could pose a risk to people’s health. This needs to be ruled out as soon as possible to allay any fears that products people are consuming is a risk to their health.
“There is an absolute need to get on top of this. Minister Coveney must finally show some leadership here and set out a strategy that will lead to questions being answered.”