Scientific committees advising the EU have repeatedly concluded that oestradiol-17β must be considered a 'complete carcinogen'.

She cautioned that Europe is on the cusp of agreeing a deal that could see second rate, unsafe beef, enter the EU food chain.

Waterford companies among beef producers to sign up to new charter for industry

Irish beef exports to China were suspended after mad cow disease was detected in one cow in November

Chinese authorities will decide when exports can resume