Stormont's Health and Agriculture Ministers last night insisted that Northern Ireland beef is safe to eat, despite fears of contamination by the same feed from the pork scare.

Concerns were raised after it emerged yesterday that a number of local herds had consumed the feed at the centre of the crisis which hit Ireland’s pork industry at the weekend.

But Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said last night that there was no evidence to suggest that consumers should stop eating beef or drinking milk.

“Currently eight beef herds, and one beef and dairy herd in Northern Ireland have been identified as having consumed contaminated feed. Restrictions have been placed on these farms by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD),” he said.

“The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is, at present, carrying out a risk assessment on results obtained from the Republic of Ireland in relation to samples of beef from herds in RoI that consumed contaminated feed. The FSA will put in place appropriate measures based on this risk assessment.”

The Minister said that samples had also been taken from carcasses in Northern Ireland abattoirs thought to have been derived from the herds in Northern Ireland that had consumed contaminated food. He said that results from the tests would not be available until the end of the week.

“With regard to dairy products, one farm has been identified as having fed contaminated feed to dairy cattle,” he said.

“All milk from this farm has now been prevented from entering the food chain. All previous supplies of milk from this farm were sent to a single purchaser in the Republic of Ireland. The RoI authorities are aware of this situation. Again public health risk will be determined when an appropriate risk assessment has been completed.

“The FSA has advised me that, at this point in time, they have no evidence to suggest that consumers should stop eating beef. FSA has also advised that it is safe to drink milk.”

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said consumers could be confident that beef entering the food chain is safe.

“My officials found that a number of herds containing cattle had received and been fed product from the affected southern supplier,” Ms Gildernew said.

“Samples were taken of this product, where it was available, and are being tested. I anticipate the results later this week.

“At this time, those herds are restricted and all animals which received this feed have been highlighted on our APHIS animal traceability system so that they cannot enter the food chain without testing clear for any contaminant.

“So consumers can be confident that beef which is entering the food chain today is safe.”