'Complete confidence' in Tipperary Co-op following salmonella isolation

“Complete confidence” has been expressed in the procedures and responses of Tipperary Co-op to the detection of salmonella in a consignment, by Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) president Pat McCormack.

The incident occurred at the co-op’s plant in Tipperary town recently, the firm revealed earlier today (Tuesday, October 30).

McCormack, who farms at Greenane and is himself a supplier to the co-op, said that the most stringent standards operated throughout the manufacturing process had “picked up” the contamination.

An exact procedure had been followed aimed at alerting all relevant authorities and completely isolating any possible contaminated product, he said.

The president said he is “very familiar” with Tipperary Co-op’s operation and he is in no doubt that the matter would be dealt with speedily and with adherence to the highest standards of safety and traceability.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed earlier today that, as a result of routine testing carried out by the food business operator (FBO), it was notified of a positive result for the presence of Salmonella in a powdered milk product sample, received by the FBO.

A department spokesperson said that it is working closely with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the FBO to ensure that all appropriate action is being taken to safeguard consumers and to ensure the ongoing integrity of the Irish dairy food chain.