Brussels, 10/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - Invited by the European Commission to take a stance on the human health risks associated with the possible presence of dioxins in pork and pork products, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) issued a scientific opinion on 10 December in which it seeks to reassure consumers concerned about exports of contaminated Irish pork to the EU and towards third countries (EUROPE 9799). EFSA considers that, in a very extreme case, if someone ate a large amount of Irish pork each day throughout the period of the incident (90 days), 100% of which was contaminated at the highest recorded concentration of dioxins, this highly unlikely scenario would not lead to adverse health effects. The opinion was to be presented to veterinary officials of the EU on 10 December.
On the basis of measures taken by Ireland to block and control all the suspect establishments (10 pig farms and 38 cattle farms were immediately blocked) and also measures taken by the United Kingdom (9 pig farms having received contaminated animal feed in Northern Ireland), the Commission considers that measures in place in the EU to protect the health of citizens are sufficient.
“Ireland informed the EU yesterday of the results of tests carried out in laboratory. All animals exceeding the maximum authorised dioxin content will be withdrawn from the herds and hence from the food chain”, the spokesperson for Androula Vassiliou, Health Commissioner, said. The British authorities have “confirmed having blocked the nine mixed farms, and apply herd control”.
It has been established that contamination was linked to a company recycling bakery waste but the route of contamination has still to be determined. (A.N./transl.jl)