Commission will not impose ban

THE European Commission said it would not be imposing a ban on Irish pork as the authorities had taken all possible steps to limit the damage by withdrawing all products from the market.

All 13 member states that import Irish pork products have been alerted and are in the process of removing Irish pork from shops and warehouses.

EU and Irish officials held a conference call with the commission and the European Food Safety Authority yesterday afternoon to brief one another. The chief veterinary officers from all EU countries meet tomorrow when they will review the issue and decide if any further action is needed.