A HAVERFORDWEST abbatoir has been closed by health officials for failing to implement controls to ensure safe food production.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said the action taken at Pembrokeshire Meat Company, which is located on the Withybush Trading Estate, was in no way connected to the horsemeat scandal.

The plant was closed at the end of last week because recommendations relating to deficiencies in food production controls, particularly the cleaning system, and the building’s condition, had not been addressed, a spokesman for the FSA said.

She said the plant had been visited on several occasions and was advised these problems needed to be rectified.

But a veterinary manager, who visited the plant last week, was not satisfied it had taken the necessary actions.

The spokesman added that the FSA clearly could not allow a slaughter house to operate if it was not following proper procedures.

Pembrokeshire Meat Company’s solicitor, Aled Owen, said: “There were certain minor technical difficulties noted at the plant.

“The company is co-operating with the FSA to bring the matter to a conclusion. It is hoped and believed that these issues will be progressed and the plant will be open by the end of this week.”