Yesterday evening my officials completed their tracing visits to all the premises notified to us by DAFF as having received potentially contaminated feed. These results were passed to the FSA, who as you know then concluded that no pigs born and reared in the North had received any contaminated feed.
The FSA also advised there is no risk from pork or pork products containing only pork from the North.
My officials also found that eight herds containing cattle had received and been fed product from the affected Southern supplier. Samples were taken of this product and are being tested as I speak. I anticipate the results later this week.
At this time these herds are restricted and all animals which received this feed have been highlighted on our APHIS system so they cannot enter the food chain without testing clear for any contaminant.
Furthermore tracings of animals from the herds which have gone to slaughter have been provided to the meat plants concerned so that they can identify any products which remain from these animals.
At present we have no results from animals or feed. When these are available they will be provided to the FSA for a risk assessment of any threat to public health.
My Department has taken precautionary and prudent measures to protect the industry and public health while we await the results of these tests and the subsequent risk analysis.
My Department continues to work closely with DHSSPS, DETI and the FSA and we expect further information from DAFF when results of their further tests become available. We will also be liaising with DEFRA in preparation for an EU meeting in Brussels.
Notes to Editors
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