Thurles Information

According to Ireland’s National Television and Radio Broadcaster, RTÉ, the ice cream brand Unilever’s Ben & Jerry’s ‘Euphoric Chunks & Swirls’, has called the war in Gaza ‘genocide’.

“Ben & Jerry’s believes in human rights and advocates for peace, and we join with those around the world who denounce the genocide in Gaza,” the board said in a statement viewed by Reuters. “We stand with all who raise their voices against genocide in Gaza – from petition-signers – to street marchers – to those risking arrest.”

The independent board who made this statement is now said to be escalating a bitter feud between the ice cream maker and its long-time London-based corporate parent, Unilever.

Is the above statement by the ‘independent board’ an effort to gain publicity for what is after all a poor quality product?
Ben & Jerry’s has said its year 2000 merger agreement with Unilever gave this independent board “primary responsibility” to pursue the company’s social mission.

Understandably, Unilever were quick to point out through their spokesperson that the comments reflect only the views of this “independent social mission board of Ben & Jerry’s”, and the latter do not speak for anyone other than themselves.

We went a little further than RTÉ, to investigate; taking a closer look at just 2 of Ben & Jerry’s products, using the reliable YUKA App, same which can be downloaded free to every smart phone in the country.

According to YUKA, Ben & Jerry’s product Chocolate Fudge Brownie, pictured above, is rated ‘Poor’ (only 5/100). Their product Cookie Vermont-ster, is also rated ‘Poor’, (only 8/100). Both products are high in sugar (27g) and contain the high risk additive ‘Carrageehan‘ (E407), which could increase the risk of breast cancer. It is also suspected of significantly disrupting the gut microbiota and causing chronic intestinal inflammation, which could contribute greatly to the development of other chronic diseases.

Based on the above ratings, we don’t believe that the Israeli people, will be very discountenanced by the lack of Ben & Jerry’s poorly rated and unhealthy ‘Euphoric Chunks & Swirls’.

As for Irish consumers; the HSE; the European Commission and EU Member States, please make note and take the necessary action to ban this additive from our food.

Truth is, the only ice cream that Thurles consumers should be buying from our local supermarkets is the Irish manufactured Madagascan Vanilla which is rated by YUKA as ‘Good‘ (54/100), and which is low in sugar (only 1g compared to Ben & Jerry’s 27g), and contains no risky additives. Same product can be purchased in ALDI, on Kickham Street, here in Thurles.

Remember, Yuka’s information and recommendations should not replace a healthy balanced diet. Always consult a GP for advice on the best diet for you, as an individual.

We here on Thurles.Info would like to confirm that we have no medical qualifications whatsoever.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland have recalled a batch of Centra Hot Smoked BBQ Salmon, due to missing cooking instructions on the label.

Alert Summary dated Friday, May 30th 2025.

Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2025.23
Product Identification: Centra Hot Smoked BBQ Salmon; pack size: 200g; approval number: IE-DN 0012-EC
Batch Code: 44911N; Use by date: 07/06/2025
Country Of Origin: Ireland

Message: The above batch of Centra Hot Smoked BBQ Salmon is being recalled as it was mispacked with raw Centra salmon darnes and the label does not have cooking instructions. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.

Action Required: Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:

Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.

Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) Food Safety Consultative Council today announced a public consultation to gather views from consumers and food businesses in Ireland on a national food hygiene rating scheme.

Food hygiene rating schemes are in operation in a number of countries and provide customers with signage that indicates the level of cleanliness and food safety standards of a food business based on official food safety inspections.

The FSAI is calling on consumers and food businesses in Ireland to make their views known through an online consultation which will run until 23rd June 2025.

Food hygiene rating schemes consultation -View HERE.

The results of the consultation will better inform the Food Safety Consultative Council’s understanding of consumers’ and food businesses’ opinions about a food hygiene rating scheme for Ireland. It will review how such a scheme might influence consumer decision-making, and what implications it could have for Irish food businesses such as restaurants, cafés, takeaways, hotels, supermarkets and shops. All responses are anonymous, and participants will also have the opportunity to express interest in taking part in possible focus groups or interviews in the future.

Food hygiene rating schemes are currently in operation for example in Northern Ireland, England and Wales (Scores on Doors), Denmark and France (Smiley Faces), and in some US states. They typically involve the public display of food safety inspection results as a number, letter or symbol on the food business’s window and/or website, aiming to increase transparency in the food chain, support consumer decision making and promote higher standards of hygiene across the food sector. This helps customers make informed choices about where they eat and purchase food from while encouraging businesses to maintain high food safety standards.

Mr Jamie Knox, (Chair of the FSAI’s Food Safety Consultative Council) urged participation in the consultation and highlighted the importance of engagement by consumers and food businesses as the feedback will provide important information on the next steps for any recommendations on a national scheme.
“The FSAI’s commitment to protecting public health and increasing transparency in Ireland’s food safety system underpins this important consultation. Food hygiene rating schemes have been shown internationally to empower consumers and drive higher standards across the food sector. Just as importantly, we understand the value of listening to concerns the food industry may have. This is not a decision — it is an evaluation process. By considering international evidence and gathering views from both consumers and food businesses, we aim to ensure that any recommendation made is informed, balanced, and grounded in public and professional interests,” he added.

Information gathered from the consultation will inform a comprehensive evaluation report, expected to be finalised in early 2026. The findings will support the FSAI in making an evidence-based recommendation to the Department of Health, which holds responsibility for national food safety policy in this area.

The consultation is being undertaken by the FSAI, as set out in its Strategy 2025–2029 to evaluate the evidence relating hygiene rating schemes for food business.