Spain says it is not ruling out taking legal action against German authorities for blaming Spanish vegetables for the E.coli outbreak that has killed 16 people.

Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said Wednesday "we do not rule out taking actions against Hamburg authorities who have questioned the quality of our products."

Spain has complained that German authorities pointed the finger at Spanish produce before the result of tests were known.

The allegations have virtually paralyzed exports of Spanish fruit and vegetables, causing major financial losses.

After days of uncertainty Hamburg officials said Tuesday that tests showed that Spanish cucumbers tested had traces of E. coli bacteria but not the strain that caused the outbreak.