FSA warning on Irish pork

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has this morning told consumers not to eat pork or pork products such as sausages, bacon, salami and ham, which are labelled as being from the Irish Republic or Northern Ireland.

An investigation will now work to establish whether any products contaminated with dioxins have been distributed in the UK.

In a statement the FSA said: "From the information that we have at this time, we do not believe there is significant risk to UK consumers as adverse health effects from eating the affected products are only likely if people are exposed to relatively high levels of this contaminant for long periods.

"This precautionary advice had been issued following the Irish Government's announcement that it is recalling all pork products made in the Irish Republic since September after dioxins were found in slaughtered pigs that are thought to have eaten contaminated feed."

Dioxins are chemicals that get into food from the environment and they are associated with a range of health effects when there is long term exposure to them at relatively high levels.

The FSA is continuing to monitor the situation and says it is in close contact with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

An urgent meeting of the UK food industry is being organised by the FSA as part of its investigation into possible distribution channels in this country.

Words: Clare Riley

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