Stress origin of pork, says BPEX

BPEX is urging caterers to state clearly on their menus the country of origin of all the pork dishes and pork products they serve, to reassure customers.

The call comes from Tony Goodger, BPEX's foodservice manager, following the recent alarm over potential dioxins in pork and pork products from the Republic of Ireland,

Goodger said: "While the FSA acknowledges that any potential risk to consumers is very low, caterers will want to take all steps possible to reassure their customers that they can continue to choose the pork and pork products available on caterers' menus with confidence."

To assist in providing consumer confidence, Goodger said caterers should also ensure their suppliers provide detailed information on the country of origin of their pork and pork products.

The FSA, which has now formally issued a Food Alert for Action, has also published a list of the meat processors in the Republic of Ireland affected by the pork incident and also meat companies in England that have received affected pork products. The risk to consumer health from these pork products remains very low.

In a statement, the FSA said: "There is generally good traceability in the UK food supply chain. Most major retailers and caterers have already traced their products and removed any affected products."

Shops, manufacturers and caterers that can trace the origin of their products, whether they be meat joints or ingredients of mixed products such as sausages, directly to a farm that is unaffected by the contaminated feed, are able to continue selling their products.

To date, five processing plants in the Republic of Ireland that have received the contaminated pork have been identified. In addition, 12 processing plants in Northern Ireland have been identified as potentially receiving contaminated pork from the Republic of Ireland and investigations are ongoing. It has been confirmed that no pigs in Northern Ireland have been fed contaminated feed.