Handling Of Pork Crisis A 'Shambles', Claims MLA

Strangford MLA Jim Shannon has branded the Agriculture Department's handling of the pork contamination crisis a "shambles".

Mr Shannon, who runs a farm on the Ards Peninsula, described the authorities’ response as "inept" and a "disgrace".

The DUP politician claimed farmers were being given inadequate advice that posed more questions than answers.

Yesterday the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned consumers against eating pork from Northern Ireland and the Republic because of a suspected feed contamination.

So far 47 farms in the Republic, and a further nine in Northern Ireland, have been linked to dioxin contaminated pig feed.

The FSA has said consumers do not face a "significant risk", with health dangers only affecting those who are exposed to relatively high levels of the contaminant for long periods.

However, retailers across the UK and Ireland have begun to remove sausages, bacon, ham, salami and white puddings from their shelves, including lines from local celebrity chef Paul Rankin.

Mr Shannon told the Belfast Telegraph: "I think the whole thing is a shambles.

"The way the whole thing has been handled is inept and a disgrace."

The MLA said he could not speak to a Department of Agriculture official to get guidance.

"I have had people who I supply and people who supply me with pork on the phone asking what they should do? They have been telling me that they can’t get in touch with anyone in authority," he stressed.

Mr Shannon said at least four suppliers local to him have had difficultly speaking to government officials.

Any information that has been communicated posed more questions than answers, he claimed.

A licensed feed mill in the Irish Republic is believed to be at the core of concerns.

Yesterday, Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew said: "To date, nine farms in the north have been identified as having used the contaminated feed. We are supplying the FSA with all the necessary information to allow them to take an informed decision."

Supermarket chain Tesco has removed all locally sourced pork from its stores.

Northern Ireland Stores Director Gary Mills said: "We feel that we should take this measure in the interests of our customers.

"We hope they will bear with us while we wait to have the full position clarified by the authorities."

Sainsbury's said it was working with suppliers to ensure safe pork products for its customers.

(PR)