The number of cases of salmonella poisoning in the north-east increased to 30 over the weekend with four people being treated in hospital, and there are indications cases will increase substantially over coming days.
Based on the number of samples sent for laboratory analysis and hundreds of telephone calls to helplines, it is inevitable cases will increase, according to public health specialists.
The outbreak is believed to be linked to cooked ham produced by Augherskea Meats in Navan, Co Meath, and originating in a pig herd.
It has emerged that proposals for stricter salmonella controls on all pig farms were put on hold because of economic difficulties in the pig sector. "Irish export plants went ahead and classified their supplier pig farms," Dr Patrick Wall, chief executive of the Food Safety Authrity, said. "High-risk herds are not wanted by them; as a result these pigs may be now directed to smaller plants producing for the home market."
Augherskea Meats yesterday said they believed they were not responsible for the present outbreak. Director Mr Martin Dunne said they were, none the less, co-operating with the health board, and all their cooked ham had been recalled from supermarkets and delicatessens. Their product is mainly sold in the north-east but also in some SuperValu and Centra outlets.
Augherskea Meats cooked-meat section, which accounts for only 20 per cent of the company's output, is closed temporarily (the company also produces raw meat products which are not recalled). Abattoirs supplying the plant are also being investigated.