The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) has confirmed to Agriland that one factory was fined for breaches of carcass trim requirements in 2025.

A DAFM spokesperson told Agriland that in 2025, the department inspected a total of 59,565 carcasses for compliance with carcass trim standards.

Of the carcasses inspected, one factory was fined for breaches of carcass trim requirements.

The DAFM spokesperson said that "a fixed payment of €4,500 (18 fines of €250) was applied in respect of the 18 carcasses concerned".

DAFM also confirmed to Agriland that the factory concerned was Kepak Meats, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.

The department spokesperson also confirmed that the fine has been paid.

Fat trimming

The EU regulation on beef trimming states that no fat, muscle or other tissue may be removed from the carcass before weighing, classifying, and marking, except in cases where veterinary requirements are applied.

As of July 2024, one factory had been fined for breaches of carcass trim specifications.

Dawn Meats Grannagh had been fined for three carcasses in breach of the trim requirement, resulting in a fine of €750, which had been paid.

In the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, there were no factories fined for breaches of carcass trim specification.