January 20, 2011

Hungarian official restricts hog, pork from Germany

The agriculture minister of Hungary has ordered restrictions on the consumption and sale of German hog and pork products until February 28, the ministry said Wednesday (Jan 19).

It said laboratory tests had found no evidence of dioxin-tainted eggs or meat products in Hungary but the ministry has ordered nationwide checks.

German and EU authorities are struggling to contain the alert, which began on January 3 when German officials said feed tainted with the highly poisonous dioxin had been fed to hens and pigs. Eggs, poultry meat and some pork at the affected farms were contaminated.

Hungary's agriculture ministry has ordered that importers notify relevant domestic authorities of incoming shipments of hogs or pork products directly or indirectly from Germany two business days before the shipment's expected arrival.

It also said all German pork products imported since November 12 must be tested for dioxin and the products could be sold or processed only if they clear the necessary laboratory tests.

The ministry said pork imports can be delivered and unloaded only during regular office hours, and that all deliveries must be supervised by health inspectors.