19 December 2008, 08/291
Pork eaters are being reassured
Pork eaters are being reassured by West Lancashire District
Council that their health isn’t in danger following the recall of
contaminated Irish pork products.
The District Council is reiterating advice from the European
Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that contaminated products containing
pork, such as sausages and pizza, can still be eaten as risks to
health are extremely low but to just be aware of the situation.
Most major retailers and caterers have already traced and
removed any products affected by the dioxin contamination.
Now, regular consumers of Irish pork are being reassured that
they should not worry about their health as a result of the recent
news of dioxins in animal feed and pork fat samples found in
Ireland. Even those who have been regularly eating Irish pork since
the announcement of the first contamination on 1st September this
year are not at risk because it’s unlikely that the amount of
dioxin taken into the body would cause any harm.
Cllr Geoff Hammond, Portfolio Holder for Community Services,
said:"It is a relief to know that these contaminated products do
not pose a health risk, especially as a lot of people regularly
consume food such as sausage rolls or pork pies. However, we
realise that residents will still be very worried so we would just
urge people to be aware of this current incident and to take care
when buying products."
If consumers have any doubts or concerns about the source of any
pork products they have bought, they should contact the shop at
which they bought them.
To help trace the food that is affected, industry codes have
been distributed to help shops, manufacturers and caterers recall
any contaminated pork products.
The Council’s Commercial Safety team regularly inspects food
businesses, and investigates complaints relating to food and food
businesses. For more information contact the food safety team
on 01695 585242.
Related information