The Department of Agriculture has asked retailers to withdraw certain meat and dairy products originating in the UK.
The Food Safety Promotion Board of Ireland has reassured consumers that they are not at risk from the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. It is an animal health issue rather than a public health risk.
Mr Paschal Gibbons, of Veterinary Ireland, said the only danger with infected food products was that the virus might be disseminated to other animals.
"For instance, if a farmer went into a supermarket, bought an infected product and brought the virus home to the farm, he could infect his cattle, pigs, sheep or goats," he said.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Mr Walsh, on Wednesday imposed a ban on animal and animal products from Britain and Northern Ireland.
Yesterday retailers were asked, via the Food Safety Authority's rapid alert system, to withdraw certain products.
More than 200 contacts, including environmental health officers, retailers and public health analysts, were contacted via fax and e-mail. Meetings took place all day between veterinary staff and veterinary management.
Cured pigmeat products and uncooked pork sausages are to be removed from display in stores. However, cooked meat products are not required to be removed.
All UK milk products manufactured from raw milk since February 1st must be removed from shelves. Milk and dried milk for human consumption may only be imported from the UK if it has undergone rigorous pasteurisation procedures, ultraheat treatment or sterilisation.
Some supermarkets had removed certain pork products yesterday but others waited for the guidelines.
By today, all supermarkets and retailers should have complied with the guidelines.
Superquinn had yesterday asked its quality team to draw up a list of potential items which might have to be withdrawn if guidelines were issued. It had not removed any products by late afternoon. Superquinn sources fresh meat and milk within the Republic.
Supervalu and Centra also source all fresh beef, lamb and milk within the Republic, and supply is not currently affected by the UK outbreak.
Supervalu and Centra stock a small quantity of meat-based products from the UK and had yesterday asked supermarkets to withdraw these products.
Tesco Ireland also sources all fresh pork, lamb and beef and milk within the Republic. A limited range of processed products were removed yesterday.
Marks and Spencer in Britain yesterday suspended the manufacture, delivery and sale of an extensive range of UK-produced meat and dairy products for export pending clarification.
The chief executive of the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland, Mr Pat Brady, said his members sourced all meat in the Republic.
Consumers with food safety queries may contact the Food Safety Promotion Board's safe food helpline on 1 850 40 4567.
