The Food Safety Authority has alerted consumers and food businesses about a theft of a consignment of beef from a Dublin-based meat wholesaler.
Consumers are being urged not to purchase any meat sold from unregistered outlets or unregistered door-to-door sales.
Up to 43 boxes (approx 20-24kg per box) of beef containing prime cuts, rolled rib of beef and knuckle were stolen.
The FSAI said food businesses have a legal obligation to only purchase meat from approved sources after checking all appropriate documentation.
Any break in the cold chain between the time the meat was stolen and when it may be sold could result in a serious health risk to consumers, particularly given the recent hot weather.
FSAI Chief Executive Professor Alan Reilly said there is no way of knowing whether meats purchased from unregistered sources adhere to food safety requirements around storage and handling.
He said proper storage and handling of beef at all times is a critical element in food safety management.
The FSAI has asked businesses and consumers who notice any suspicious sales of meat to contact them on 1890-336677.
