European supermarkets were ordered on Sunday to remove Irish bacon, ham, and sausages from their shelves after authorities in Dublin announced that Irish pork products were contaminated with dioxin, a potentially carcinogenic chemical.
Health officials in Europe warned their consumers not to eat Irish pork after dioxin was found in Irish pork products and pig feed at levels 80 to 200 times higher than permitted. Irish government officials described the withdrawal of products, which applies to all pork products produced after September 1, as a precautionary measure.
Tim Cullinan, an official of the Irish Farmers’ Association and pig breeder, stated to Irish television RTE that he believes authorities have identified the source of contamination and hopes that fresh pork will return to shelves within a few days.
Dr. Tony Holohan from the Irish health service described the product withdrawal as a precautionary measure and noted that "no significant impact on health is expected." A similar statement was made by the British food safety agency, which reported that it does not see a significant risk to British consumers, according to the Associated Press.
Chief inspector of the Irish veterinary service Paddy Rogan stated on Sunday that contaminated pork has been exported to 20 to 25 countries, reports Reuters. "We believe it concerns 20 to 25 countries. It is certainly less than 30," Rogan said at a press conference. (Hina)
