One of Ireland's largest poultry processing plants, which supplies Tesco, Dunnes and SuperValu, has had its production licence withdrawn by the Republic's Department of Agriculture. The reason is its alleged failure to remedy "serious hygiene deficiencies". According to a department statement, the company, Monaghan Poultry Products, has a history of hygiene problems and inspectors suspended its licence some weeks ago. It was later permitted to reopen on a trial basis, following management assurances that specific improvements would be implemented. These assurances were not fulfilled, said the department, which cited "uncleanable" floors, rusty conveyor equipment, and workers "routinely handling raw meat, packaging and equipment". In addition, it claims production had not been carried out at 4°C, as required by EU regulations. But the company's md, Barry McEntee, accused the inspectors of "acting in a heavy-handed manner" and claimed there was confusion over what improvements they wanted. The plant, which processes 180,000 chickens a week, has laid off all its 300 workers while talks continue with the department on a possible restoration of the licence. {{NEWS }}

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