The Department of Agriculture is investigating a case of alleged unauthorised use of the illegal growth-promoting drug clenbuterol, or angel dust, in cattle.
It confirmed the investigation followed a positive test result for one animal in a random sample but would not identify the location of the farm from which it had come.
The Sunday Times reported that a farm in Monaghan was under investigation and that the animal had been slaughtered at a meat processing plant.
Investigators are understood to be attempting to identify and trace products in which meat from the animal had been used.
In a statement, the department said the random sample was taken as part of the National Residue Control Programme, which tests sheep, pigs, cattle and poultry across the State to ensure they have not been given drugs that may be dangerous if consumed.
The department said it had placed all animals on the farm under restriction pending the completion of the investigation.
"The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is fully aware of the case and has concluded that there is no risk to public health from meat that is on the market."
Isolated
A single isolated incidence of the use of clenbuterol was uncovered during sampling in 2011 - the first time it had been found since 1999.
On that occasion, two beef cattle tested positive for the banned hormone during an investigation on a farm in Co Monaghan.
The farm was being investigated by customs officials looking into alleged diesel laundering when evidence of the substance was discovered.
The National Residue Control Programme is a component of the State’s food safety controls and is implemented under a service contract with the FSAI.
More than 19,000 samples were tested in 2014, across all eight food-producing species as well as milk, eggs and honey.
Just 42 (0.2 per cent) out of 19,095 samples tested in 2014 were positive. The results were comparable to those returned in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Last year the department said the “consistently low levels” of positive samples reflected the responsible approach adopted by the vast majority of farmers.
"The extensive testing under the NRCP indicates the absence of illegal administration of banned growth promoting hormones and other banned substances to food-producing animals in Ireland, " it said publishing figures for the NRCP last year.
“Overall the small number of positives detected related mainly to residues of authorised medicines.”