Irish pork recall continues after contamination scare

All Irish pork products are continuing to be recalled across the country after a toxin was found in pig food.

A total of 47 farms are affected in the alert, including 38 beef farms.

The Taoiseach chaired crisis talks yesterday and people are being advised not to consume any pork already purchased.

The withdrawal is backdated to September 1 but does not include beef.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has set up a helpline to answer any questions about the scare.

Anyone with any concerns is asked to contact 1890 33 66 77.

Meanwhile, Opposition parties and farming groups are calling for a full investigation to determine how the contamination happened.

The Irish Farmers Association said it is devastating to pig farmers, who could lose millions of euro in the run-up to Christmas.

The Irish Association of Pigmeat Processors (IAPP) today said that its members are working closely with the authorities to deal with the recall.

The IAPP stressed that output from these farms represents less than 10% of Irish pigmeat production and the decision by the authorities to initiate a full recall of pigmeat products from September 1 is a "comprehensive precautionary step".

"We recognise the intent of the full recall is to move quickly to reassure consumers that the limited amount of product in the overall system that may have contamination is thoroughly dealt with immediately," the organisation said in a statement.

"We also understand that one small feed supplier is concerned and that the feed source concerned has been contained and is in the process of being withdrawn.

"The Irish pigmeat sector is a major industry sector with a turnover value of €500m and a strong international reputation for quality products.

"The processing industry is engaging with the Government and other stakeholders to quickly put in place plans, both operational and financial, that will ensure business continuity."

The Irish Hotels Federation stated today that it notified all its hotel and guesthouse members on Saturday night in relation to the recall of Irish pork and bacon products.

Hotels and guesthouses throughout the country are co-operating fully with this recall.

According to IHF chief executive John Power, the big challenge now is to get Irish pork products back on the market as soon as possible and allow customers enjoy "the excellent quality of these products".

"This recall highlights the importance of robust traceability systems which will enable a timely resumption of Irish pork and bacon products being available," he said.