Major Recall of Pork Begins in Ireland

Irish pork products were recalled after tests confirmed that around 10 percent of Ireland’s estimated 1.47 million pigs may have been exposed to feed containing dioxins, associated with cancer.

08/12/08 Irish pork producers are facing a EUR100 million bill to recall all pork products made from pigs slaughtered in the country after tests confirmed some meat contained dioxins.

Irish pork products were recalled after tests confirmed that around 10 percent of Ireland’s estimated 1.47 million pigs may have been exposed to feed containing dioxins, associated with cancer. Ireland exports about 1 million euros of pig meat a day and authorities in the UK are advising consumers not to eat any pork from Ireland. 

The Irish Association of Pigmeat Processors described the crisis as a huge blow to the sector. It said its members are working closely with the authorities to deal with the pig meat product recall arising from a feed contamination issue that concerns 10 pig farms. The IAPP said output from these farms represents less than 10% of Irish pig meat production and the decision by the authorities to initiate a full recall of pig meat products from September 1 is a comprehensive precautionary step.

Breeo Foods, which markets the pork brands Galtee, Shaws, Roscrea and Barcastle, says it has implemented an immediate plan to temporarily to source 'safe, traceable pork meat' from EU countries outside Ireland. Breeo Foods said that its new supply arrangements meant it would continue supplying the Irish market.

The Irish Food Board, Bord Bia said it is currently developing a tailored consumer information campaign to accompany the imminent return of Irish pork and bacon back onto retail shelves. The campaign will highlight products produced after 7th December and that have therefore been unaffected by the events leading up to the current pork and bacon product recall.   

Through its network of international offices Bord Bia is also working closely with exporters to communicate and reassure customers about the prompt and comprehensive set of measures that have been taken by the Irish authorities in relation to the recall. 

“The industry has developed an excellent track record with its customers in overseas markets and Bord Bia’s focus now is to ensure these relationships are leveraged effectively as the industry seeks to re-build its market positions into the future” commented Aidan Cotter. 

Meanwhile an international media monitoring programme has been put in place in all key markets and Bord Bia is ensuring any additional information is supplied and clarifications are made as appropriate. 

In the UK the Food Standards Agency has advised consumers not to eat pork or pork products, such as sausages, bacon, salami and ham, which are labelled as being from the Irish Republic or Northern Ireland, while it continues to investigate whether any products contaminated with dioxins have been distributed in the UK.

From the information that we have at this time, the FSA does not believe there is significant risk to UK consumers as adverse health effects from eating the affected products are only likely if people are exposed to relatively high levels of this contaminant for long periods.

This precautionary advice had been issued following the Irish Government's announcement that it is recalling all pork products made in the Irish Republic since September after dioxins were found in slaughtered pigs that are thought to have eaten contaminated feed.

Dioxins are chemicals that get into food from the environment and they are associated with a range of health effects when there is long term exposure to them at relatively high levels.

The Agency is continuing to monitor the situation and is in close contact with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. If it is confirmed that any affected products have been distributed to the UK the Agency will take appropriate action to protect consumers. An urgent meeting of the UK food industry is being organised by the Agency as part of its investigation into possible distribution channels in this country.

Dioxins and polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) are chemicals that get into our food from the environment. They have no immediate effect on our health but can cause problems if they are absorbed into our bodies at high levels for long periods, the Agency says. 

Foods high in animal fat, such as milk, meat, fish and eggs (and foods produced with them) are the main source of dioxins and PCBs although all foods contains at least low levels of these chemicals. The levels of dioxins and PCBs in any one individual's diet will vary depending on the amounts and types of foods they eat.

The risk to health comes from eating food with high levels of dioxins and PCBs over a long period. They have been shown to cause a wide range of effects in certain animals, including cancer and damage to the immune and reproductive systems, although it appears that people may be less sensitive.