A consignment of skimmed milk powder contaminated with a strain of salmonella was identified at Tipperary co-op's processing facilities. Testing procedures at the co-op identified the problem and Department officials were notified immediately.

Customers who may have received contaminated product have been contacted and any potentially contaminated product has been tracked.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is working with Tipperary co-op customers to understand the implications.

The board of Tipperary co-op has been kept fully informed as the situation has developed. The Irish Farmers Journal understands the problem first came to light in September. For the last number of months development work has been ongoing to increase drying capacity at the processing site.

The co-op immediately ceased powder production

A statement from a Tipperary co-op spokesperson said: "Tipperary co-op’s internal quality assurance system recently identified and isolated a [pathogenic] bacterium in a specific consignment of powder product produced by the co-op, preventing it from entering the food chain.

"The co-op immediately ceased powder production and notified the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Food Safety Authority in accordance with standard incident management protocols."

Normal milk collection has continued in Tipperary, with cheese and butter production continuing on-site, and neighbouring processors handling milk powder requirements. These arrangements have ensured continuity of supply to customers while cause analysis and rectification issues are being addressed.

A Department of Agriculture spokesperson said: "The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine is working closely with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the food business operator to ensure that all appropriate action is being taken to safeguard consumers and to ensure the on-going integrity of the Irish dairy food chain."