What happened?
As a precautionary measure, the Food Safety Authority initiated a product recall of all Irish pork and bacon products which had been produced since 1st September, 2008. This was due to the presence of dioxin in a small sample of Irish pork and bacon products whichwas confirmed on Saturday, 6th December.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) identified the source of the contaminant as one animal feed plant. The feed from this plant was supplied to 10 Irish pig farms which account for 8% of the total supply of pigs in Ireland.
Restrictions were immediately placed on these farms to prohibit their animals from entering the food chain.
No Public Health Issue
According to the Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health and Children, “Any risk that arises to health from having consumed Irish pork products prior to the product recall is extremely low and the public should not be concerned”.
New On-Pack Label
To reassure consumers, DAFF have authorised the use of a new label on Irish pork and bacon products. This applies both to products produced before 1st September and after 6th December 2008, and in addition products during this period that the Department have verified as being unaffected.
Only pigs certified by veterinary officers from DAFF or local authorities as being free from any contaminant will enter the food chain and carry this label. A sample of the label is reproduced here (logos in-store will not have the feint text "SAMPLE" running through them):
Hotels & Restaurants
Hotels, restaurants and other foodservice providers should seek a letter from their pork and bacon suppliers confirming that any Irish pork and bacon products they are offering are officially approved and make this letter available to any member of the public on request.
Other Sources of Information
The European Food Safety Authority have commented on the risks to public health which can be read here.
Click here for consumer and retailer information from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland or within the Republic of Ireland, call their helpline on 1 890 33 66 77.
Click here for home page of Irish Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food which contains notices for traders as the situation develops.
