The ABP Food Group welcomes the statement from Minister Coveney this afternoon about the equine DNA issue. This confirms our initial view that this contamination originates from third party continental supply. Throughout this incident the company has worked closely with all the Authorities involved and our customers.
Paul Finnerty, Group Chief Executive, ABP Food Group said:
“This has been a very difficult experience for all involved and has led to a significant interruption in business for Silvercrest and its customers. We are relieved that the source of the problem has been identified.”
“While the company has never knowingly purchased or traded in equine product, I wish to take this opportunity to apologise for the impact this issue has caused.”
The company was initially alerted to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland findings on the evening of Monday 14 January. Whilst this was never a food safety issue it immediately took the responsible decision to recommend to its customers that they withdraw relevant products. When it became apparent that additional tests had indicated that other Silvercrest products might be affected with equine DNA contamination the company immediately suspended production at its Silvercrest plant.
As previously stated the company has never knowingly bought or processed horse meat and all of our purchases are from approved and licensed EU plants. Arising out of our extensive internal investigations during the last two weeks the company has taken the following decisions:
- To appoint a new management team at the Silvercrest facility.
- ABP has undertaken a Group reorganisation. With immediate effect responsibility for the Silvercrest business will transfer to ABP Ireland (the Irish chilled beef division). The sister business in the UK, Dalepak Foods, will come under the immediate control of ABP UK (the UK chilled beef business).
- The Group will be independently auditing all its third party suppliers.
- ABP has already started to implement a new DNA testing regime over and above any legal requirements. This DNA testing (including equine) will be in addition to our current comprehensive testing regime which the company carries out for food safety requirements.
The source of the contaminated meat from Poland is not related to ABP’s plant in Poznan. As with all other parts of the Group this plant does not process any horse meat.
