No NI link to '˜Angel Dust' cow

Farms Minister Michelle McIlveen says there are no links between Northern Ireland and the discovery of '˜Angel Dust' in the carcass of a cow from the Ulster beef herd in County Monaghan.

“The discovery of the growth promoter clenbuterol, also known as ‘Angel Dust’, in a bovine carcass and in follow-up searches, in the Republic of Ireland is regrettable as it can tarnish the reputation of the wider beef industry, even by association,” she stated.

“Enforcement officers in the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) are investigating the case and have been in regular contact with my Department’s Central Enforcement Team. There is no suggestion of any links with Northern Ireland at this point and I have not had any discussions with Minister Michael Creed,” Mrs McIlveen stated.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has carried out a risk assessment in relation to the incident.

It stated: “This detailed assessment concludes that this incident related to one cow, poses no risk to public health. The identification of this incident by DAFM (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) and the subsequent traceability actions demonstrate the effectiveness of the food safety regulatory system.

“As the matter is under investigation, the FSAI has no further comment to add.”