Update on Irish pork investigation

Following yesterday's warning that consumers must not eat pork or pork products which are labelled as being the Irish Republic or Northern Ireland, The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has reiterated its advice as a result of ongoing investigations.

Following further enquiries by the Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI), it has been confirmed only ten pig farms in the Republic of Ireland were supplied with feed contaminated with dioxins. Pigs from these farms have been supplied to four processors.

The FSA is currently advising retailers and caterers to remove from sale products manufactured from 1 September 2008 in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and manufacturers to not use pork from products manufactured also from 1 September 2008 in the same region.

Dr Andrew Wadge, FSA chief scientist, said: "The risk to UK consumers is very low. This is because you would need to eat large quantities of the chemical over a long period of time for there to be any risk to your health."

However, if shops and caterers can demonstrate their product is not affected by this incident, it can be sold.

The Agency is continuing to monitor the situation and is working closely with the relevant authorities in the Republic of Ireland.

Words: Maria Bracken

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