In a statement this evening, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) noted the publication of the UK Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report which makes a number of recommendations applicable to the UK regulatory system and processes.

The FSAI acknowledges that the report highlighted the role of the FSAI in uncovering this EU-wide scandal, which involved fraud and criminal activity and impacted more than 20 EU member states.

The FSAI states that while it is responsible for the enforcement of food safety legislation in Ireland, the investigation and prosecution for criminal activity is the responsibility of An Garda Siochana and the office of the DPP.

“The FSAI confirms that it has co-operated and shared all information to the relevant Irish authorities to assist in any potential prosecutions that might take place.  The FSAI continues to co-operative with its EU counterparts and with the European Commission to assist in developing new policies and tools to safeguard consumers into the future,” the statement added.

Meanwhile the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has declined to comment on the UK report. “We don’t have a comment at the moment. If that changes, I will be in touch,” a spokesman informed Agriland.

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