A joint operation involving several agencies has halted the planned slaughter of geese in Co Carlow.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) discovered what it called an "unsupervised food business" which it said was preparing to slaughter the geese for the Christmas market.
It is believed the action was taken on foot of investigations in the area.
Kilkenny County Council was involved in the operation and a compliance notice has been issued to the farmer involved.
Food businesses are required to notify authorities before they start operating.
The FSAI said it has seen a rise in food being prepared in unsupervised premises by businesses which are often not registered and not in compliance with proper standards.
The authority has urged both consumers and food retailers to ensure produce is in compliance with regulations.
Last month, the FSAI shut down three Sushi takeaway businesses in Dublin after it discovered the food was being prepared in the bedroom of a house in Santry.
Initially, the Food Safety Authority had announced that the farm was in Co Kilkenny, but following requests for clarification from the local authority and the FSAI, it has now been established it was in Co Carlow.
Local authorities sometimes provide services in other counties on a reciprocal basis.
