Tyrone Link In PCB Contamination Probed

There's a cross-border probe underway today as the police in Northern Ireland help gardaí investigate apparent contamination of animal feed which sparked a major health alert over Irish pork products - and later cast a shadow over beef products too.

High PCB levels of dioxins discovered in pigs have suggested that the type of oil used in a burner at the facility at the centre of the crisis in Co Carlow - which converts food products into animal feed was "inappropriate".

One line of investigation is probing oil being sourced from a facility in Co Tyrone that may have then ended up in the meal at the centre of the crisis.

The crisis began on Sunday and saw Irish pork taken off the shelves and products from the Republic being recalled.

However, Northern Ireland pork production has since resumed and the consumption of pork - and even 'suspect' beef and milk from Northern Ireland - has been declared safe by the Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.

Just nine cattle herds in Northern Ireland had consumed the feed and the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) said because of the differences in the digestive system of cows and pigs, the risk of contamination in beef was much lower than had been feared in relation to pork.

The Irish government said three herds had tested positive for dioxins but there was no risk to health and the Republic of Ireland Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith said the levels of dioxins found in the beef involved were two to three times above safe limits, compared with a massive 200 times for the pig meat.

Yesterday, in the Assembly, Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said she was delighted that the FSA has advised that there is no risk from pork or pork products containing only local pork meat and said that processing had resumed at Northern Ireland pork factories.

"I would like consumers to have a clear message on behalf of the Executive: there is no risk from pork or pork products and we look forward to having local pigmeat back on shelves and on tables this week," she said.

"My officials also found that a number of herds containing cattle had received and been fed product from the affected Southern supplier. Samples were taken of this product, and are being tested. I anticipate the results later this week, but consumers can be confident that beef entering the food chain is safe," she confirmed.

The Minister for Health, Michael McGimpsey said: "With regard to dairy products, one farm has been identified as having fed contaminated feed to dairy cattle. All milk from this farm has now been prevented from entering the food chain. All previous supplies of milk from this farm were sent to a single purchaser in the Republic of Ireland.

"The FSA has advised me that, at this point in time, they have no evidence to suggest that consumers should stop eating beef. FSA has also advised that it is safe to drink milk," he concluded.

(BMcC)