Thurles Information

The Department of Agriculture have issued a warning, following the discovery of bird flu in a number of sick and dead birds found near Dromineer, in North Co. Tipperary.

Same has resulted in a warning system being put in place through the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Birdwatch Ireland, and the Regional Game Councils, seeking close surveillance on further signs of the possible HPAI strain in all wild birds. Members of the public are also being asked to contribute to this surveillance, by directly notifying the Department of Agriculture of any location where sick or dead wild birds have been identified.

It is understood that up to 50 dead birds have been found located within the Dromineer area, since the start of 2023, with the H5N1 subtype having been confirmed in the carcasses. In the past year, more than 90 wild birds with H5N1 HPAI have also been detected nationally

The H5N1 subtype viruses naturally spreads among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other animal species. However the risk to humans is considered very low; nevertheless sporadic human infections have indeed occurred.

Members of the public, (especially children attempting to catch sick birds), are therefore advised not to handle same, and to keep their dogs on a leash in known areas where sick or dead birds have already been identified.
Poultry flock owners are asked to remain vigilant for any signs of this disease in their flocks and to report any disease suspicion immediately to the Department of Agriculture.

In domestic poultry flocks the form of this virus is understood to present itself suddenly, with very high mortality, and with affected birds developing swollen heads, a blue colouration of the comb and wattle area [latter the skin under the chin], lack of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and a significant drop in egg production.

To date no evidence has been found to suggest there being any risk associated with the consumption of poultry meat or associated products of poultry meat, or indeed eggs.

On February 3rd last, a HSE closure order, under Regulation 30 of the European Union (Official Controls in relation to Food Legislation) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 79 of 2020) was issued to Mr Richard Gleeson, with an address at Dooks Dunes Ltd., Dooks Fine Foods, Kerry Street, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.

The closure order states:
“I being an authorised officer of the Health Service Executive under the Food Safety Authority of
Ireland Act, 1998 and S.I. No. 79 of 2020, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by Regulation 30 of S.I. No. 79 of 2020, hereby direct that all or part of the business, it’s establishments, holdings or other premises including internet sites or social media sites, specified in Part 1 of the Schedule, be ceased with immediate effect until the earliest of : –
(i) An order to contrary effect by a Court of competent jurisdiction.
(ii) Further written direction by the Health Service Executive.

I make this order being of the opinion that there is failure to comply with food legislation for the particular reasons set out in Part 2 of the Schedule and being of the opinion that all of the activities of the business concerned and, where relevant, of the internet sites or social media sites it operates or employs, to which the order relates as identified in Part 1 of the Schedule be ceased.

This Closure Order further directs that:
All the business, its establishments, holdings or other premises be closed.

The Legislation Infringed:
Non compliance: The food business operators did not put in place, implement and maintain a permanent procedure or procedures based on the HACCP principles. Adequate HACCP based procedures had not been put in place and implemented for the production of parsley mayonnaise, beetroot hummus, rocket pesto and chicken and chorizo bap.

The results of microbiological analysis of official samples of the aforementioned products on 01/02/2023 found unsatisfactory levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli).
*The presence of E.Coli in the parsley mayonnaise, beetroot hummus, rocket pesto and chicken and chorizo bap, indicates that faecal pathogens may also be present or that poor hygiene practices occurred during processing and /or post processing.

The closure order is dated 03/02/2023.

Incorrectly Declared Allergens In Harvest Morn Protein Bars.

According to an Allergy Alert Notification, published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, (FSAI), dated Friday January 27th last; Gluten, Peanuts, Soybeans and Milk have been incorrectly declared in Harvest Morn Protein Bars.

The FSAI warn that in all batches and best before dates of Harvest Morn Protein Bars, allergens may not be emphasised on the label. This may make the products unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of cereals containing gluten (barley), peanuts, soybeans, and milk.
The implicated bars were sold in Aldi stores.

See details of all the recalled product ranges shown above or View HERE.