European Commission (EC) auditors criticized Ireland’s Department of Agriculture for failing to ensure that pet food producers met European Union standards, calling inspections unreliable and noting “widespread and systematic” issues. Auditors found multiple non-compliances at rendering plants, such as byproducts with plastic ear tags, despite department inspectors previously approving these facilities. Furthermore, inspections were often pre-announced, and critical safety checks, like testing for salmonella, were either missed or misinterpreted. This report follows a similar audit in 2018, raising concerns over Ireland’s ability to meet EU pet food safety regulations.
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