Menu
30/01/2013
Tesco Drop Burger Supplier Silvercrest
Tesco has pulled out of its contract with Irish food supplier Silvercrest, after horse DNA was found in burgers.
The contract is allegedly worth around €15 million a year to Silvercrest.
Tim Smith, Group Technical Director for Tesco, said: "We made a commitment to customers to investigate thoroughly and share the findings with them. Since then, we have been working hard to understand what happened and how we can stop it ever happening again.
"We now understand - with as much certainty as possible – what happened. The evidence tells us that our frozen burger supplier, Silvercrest, used meat in our products that did not come from the list of approved suppliers we gave them. Nor was the meat from the UK or Ireland, despite our instruction that only beef from the UK and Ireland should be used in our frozen beef burgers. Consequently we have decided not to take products from that supplier in future. We took that decision with regret but the breach of trust is simply too great.
"Ultimately Tesco is responsible for the food we sell, so it is not enough just to stop using the supplier.
"We have a well-equipped, expert technical team and world-class checks in place but we will not take anything for granted after this incident.
"It has shown that, in spite of our stringent tests, checks and controls there remained a small possibility that something could go wrong and it did. We want to stop it ever happening again, so we are taking action to reduce that possibility still further.
"To underpin the strong measures already in place, we will now introduce a comprehensive system of DNA testing across our meat products. This will identify any deviation from our high standards."
(CD)
The contract is allegedly worth around €15 million a year to Silvercrest.
Tim Smith, Group Technical Director for Tesco, said: "We made a commitment to customers to investigate thoroughly and share the findings with them. Since then, we have been working hard to understand what happened and how we can stop it ever happening again.
"We now understand - with as much certainty as possible – what happened. The evidence tells us that our frozen burger supplier, Silvercrest, used meat in our products that did not come from the list of approved suppliers we gave them. Nor was the meat from the UK or Ireland, despite our instruction that only beef from the UK and Ireland should be used in our frozen beef burgers. Consequently we have decided not to take products from that supplier in future. We took that decision with regret but the breach of trust is simply too great.
"Ultimately Tesco is responsible for the food we sell, so it is not enough just to stop using the supplier.
"We have a well-equipped, expert technical team and world-class checks in place but we will not take anything for granted after this incident.
"It has shown that, in spite of our stringent tests, checks and controls there remained a small possibility that something could go wrong and it did. We want to stop it ever happening again, so we are taking action to reduce that possibility still further.
"To underpin the strong measures already in place, we will now introduce a comprehensive system of DNA testing across our meat products. This will identify any deviation from our high standards."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 October 2023
Denroy Secures Component Supply Contract With Boeing
Bangor firm, Denroy, has become the first company in the UK to achieve injection molding qualification for Boeing, and now has the capability to supply thermoplastic components to Boeing.
Denroy Secures Component Supply Contract With Boeing
Bangor firm, Denroy, has become the first company in the UK to achieve injection molding qualification for Boeing, and now has the capability to supply thermoplastic components to Boeing.
25 June 2010
UK's Top Food Store 'Taste-Tests' NI
Top decision makers from the country's largest food retailer, Tesco - including recently retiring Chief Executive Sir Terry Leahy and Richard Brasher, the new Chief Executive for the UK and Republic of Ireland - have experienced local food and drink at a 'showcase' organised by Invest Northern Ireland.
UK's Top Food Store 'Taste-Tests' NI
Top decision makers from the country's largest food retailer, Tesco - including recently retiring Chief Executive Sir Terry Leahy and Richard Brasher, the new Chief Executive for the UK and Republic of Ireland - have experienced local food and drink at a 'showcase' organised by Invest Northern Ireland.
25 November 2015
700 Tesco Drivers To Vote On Strike Action
Over 700 Tesco drivers at distribution hubs in Belfast and Doncaster are to ballot for strike action next week over a pay dispute. The firm announced a pay offer of 0 per cent for 2015 and 1.5 per cent for 2016. The strike vote follows a 91 per cent rejection of the pay offer across the three sites.
700 Tesco Drivers To Vote On Strike Action
Over 700 Tesco drivers at distribution hubs in Belfast and Doncaster are to ballot for strike action next week over a pay dispute. The firm announced a pay offer of 0 per cent for 2015 and 1.5 per cent for 2016. The strike vote follows a 91 per cent rejection of the pay offer across the three sites.
12 January 2011
Ards In Line For Further Retailing Boost
Ards town is to get a new retailing boost with the construction industry enjoying a fillip along the way. A proposal for a multi-million pound mixed-use retail scheme in Newtownards, Co Down was submitted to the Planning Service in late December 2010. If approved, the planned development will encompass some 6.
Ards In Line For Further Retailing Boost
Ards town is to get a new retailing boost with the construction industry enjoying a fillip along the way. A proposal for a multi-million pound mixed-use retail scheme in Newtownards, Co Down was submitted to the Planning Service in late December 2010. If approved, the planned development will encompass some 6.
07 October 2010
Tesco Superstore To Get Underway
Hundreds of construction jobs are expected to be created following full planning approval for a new Tesco superstore. The store will be situated in Newtownards, north Down, on the site of the old Ards Abattoir off the Portaferry Road. The project, which includes a petrol station and parking spaces, will result in the creation of 200 retail jobs.
Tesco Superstore To Get Underway
Hundreds of construction jobs are expected to be created following full planning approval for a new Tesco superstore. The store will be situated in Newtownards, north Down, on the site of the old Ards Abattoir off the Portaferry Road. The project, which includes a petrol station and parking spaces, will result in the creation of 200 retail jobs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
