It said priorities have changed since and the legislation needs to better reflect modern food safety, new technologies and rules on the traceability of food.

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He reassured the public that the burgers posed no health risk and added that the Republic of Ireland "probably has the best traceability and food safety in the world".

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Irish Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney reassured the public that the burgers posed no health risk, adding that the Republic of Ireland "probably has the best traceability and food safety in the world".

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The buzzword in the food industry now is "traceability" - telling the customer more about where the product comes from.

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The FSA said it would continue its review of the traceability of the food products concerned, and would consult local councils and authorities in Ireland over whether legal action should be taken against any of the companies involved.

BBC: burgers

But mounting concern about this lack of traceability has prompted the food industry itself, as well as the American government, to take action.

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"This raises concerns in relation to the traceability of meat ingredients and products entering the food chain, " it said, but noted that the findings posed no risk to public health.

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