The delay in warning the public about an outbreak of salmonella at a butcher's shop in Dundrum, Dublin, has been defended by the head of the Food Safety Authority.
More than 30 cases of suspected salmonella poisoning have now been reported, and four people have been hospitalised.
The Eastern Health Board was first informed of the outbreak on March 19th, but Dr Patrick Wall, the Food Safety Authority's chief executive, said last night that it took time for the source of an infection to be traced.
The health board issued a food alert concerning Midland Meats in the Dundrum Shopping Centre last night. In a statement, it said that in the interests of public safety people who bought food at the shop were advised to dispose of it and not to eat it.
Anyone who had eaten food from the shop and felt unwell should contact a doctor.
Salmonella has been identified in more than one product in the shop, which was closed voluntarily by the owner last Friday.
A notice had been put in the shop window, saying it was closed due to difficulties with refrigeration.
The shop also has an extensive delicatessen section, selling cooked meats. It is suspected that the outbreak may have been caused by cross-contamination of cooked foods.
The health board statement said many cases of salmonella occurred in isolation.
"If our investigations reveal an apparent association between cases, we then set about establishing a common cause, if one exists, and eliminating it. This would involve visiting and inspecting all food outlets and tracking back the food chain."
On March 19th the board was notified of three cases of salmonella. It was notified of a further three cases the next week.
"Last Friday our investigation indicated an association between six cases of salmonella notified and the shop. The shop closed voluntarily on Friday and it remains closed."
Since then, it continued, the board has been notified of an additional 25 suspected cases of salmonella in the south Dublin-north Wicklow areas.
Three of the four people who were hospitalised have been discharged.
The Eastern Health Board will operate a freephone service today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for people with queries. The number is 1800 670 700.