Brussels, 11/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - Given the exceptional circumstances and difficulties that the pigmeat sector in Ireland is experiencing, following the discovery of dioxins in feed used on some of the country's farms, the European Commission, on Thursday 11 December, announced a proposal, immediately accepted by the Management Committee, to introduce an urgent market support measure. This will take the form of private storage aid for meat from pigs reared in Ireland on farms not affected by the contaminated feed. Under the aid scheme, which is expected to come into force in the next few days, up to 30,000 tonnes of (Irish) pigmeat may be stored for a period of up to six months. The level of aid will
vary according to the cut of meat. The stored meat may be sold at a later date when the market has recovered.
After learning of the EFSA (European Food Safety Agency) opinion, EU veterinary experts decided the previous day to impose the following measures on EU countries (see EUROPE 9801): - all Irish pigmeat produced between 1 September and 6 December 2008 is to be withdrawn from the market;
- all prepared dishes containing more than 20% Irish pork are to be recalled (except where analysis has shown no contamination). (L.C./transl.rt)