Ireland Recalls Tainted Pork, Warns 25 Countries

Contaminated meat may have been exported to 25 countries
By Laurel Jorgensen,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 7, 2008 6:12 PM CST
Ireland Recalls Tainted Pork, Warns 25 Countries
Pig farms in Ireland and Northern Ireland used a tainted pig feed, causing the contamination, authorities said.   (Shutter Stock)

Ireland has issued a massive pork recall after sending contaminated meat to about two dozen countries, Reuters reports. France, the Netherlands, and Belgium have all complained of dioxin-contaminated products, and Britain has told people to lay off pork for now. However, a British government body said it did "not believe there is significant risk to UK consumers."

While dioxins can cause cancer in some forms and concentrations, "one would have to be exposed to high levels for a long period of time before there would be a health risk,” a London toxicologist said. Still, some Dubliners remain worried: "I don't know what we are going to do about the ham for Christmas," said one. Authorities suspect tainted pig feed contaminated the meat.

(More recall stories.)

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