Well, Ireland was the first to unroot the scandal - after authorities performed random DNA testing of meat. Getting to the bottom of this crisis is essential for Irish farmers, before it does serious damage to the reputation of the country's exports.

Random DNA testing of Irish meat helped to uncover one of Europe's biggest beef crisis in years.

Traces of horse meat are now found across meat labeled - as beef in Europe.

It has the potential to hurt Ireland's crucial agricultural export industry.

Beef alone brings in 1.8 billion euros a year to the country. Ireland is the world's 4th largest beef exporter.

Reporter: "Ireland is in a unique position in that it has a beef surplus. Meaning of the 500,000 tonnes produced a year. 90% of this beef is exported. Only 10% is consumed domestically. So protecting their reputation is crucial."

Farmers here are adamant. They want to maintain their reputation.

Henry Burns is a farmer who is doing everything he can to ensure standards of Irish beef are upheld.

A big financial investment on him and other farmers here to comply with regulations.

Henry Burns, chairman of IFA National Livestock, said, "We put in a huge effort and you see the cattle behind me, they are all tagged from birth. Our calves are tagged in Ireland and every move they make is very traceable. Where the traceability seems to be falling down is in the processed sector and the labeling of processed meats that leaves a lot to be desired. Some of the burgers were less than 10cent each and in today's world any farmer or anyone that knows anything about the cost of meat knows it can't be done. There are certainly questions to be asked about the supermarkets. The way they have continually squeezed margins back on to famers."

Ireland is a world leader in policing the beef food chain.

The food safety authority of Ireland is the only authority in Europe that uses DNA testing to monitor authentication of food.

Something this crisis has now changed.

Martin Blake, chief veterinary officer of Department of Agriculture Food and The Marine, said, "We look at this as a very positive news story coming from Ireland. It just shows the controls we have in place, to actual identify issues. So we are always adapting the controls thinking on our feet to what risks that might be out there. And looking to ensure consumers are getting what they are looking for."

While the source of the horse meat still has not been found, Irish authorities are determined to protect their beef supply chain and watch exports with greater vigilance.

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