es, and well below the maximum intake established by international risk assessment bodies.
To ensure consumers are fully protected, this maximum intake level also incorporates very large safety margins compared to any level that might cause effects in experimental animals. Therefore, any increased exposure to dioxins for a short period is highly unlikely to lead to any health effects.
If I have eaten an affected product, has my health been damaged?
There is no risk of immediate illness. If you have eaten an affected product the risk is likely to be very small, however not eating it any more is a sensible thing to do. It is continued high level exposure over time that gives cause for concern.
If the risk is very small why are all pork and bacon products removed from sale?
Dioxins are toxic and persistent and consumers should not be exposed to them unnecessarily. It is also illegal in foods.
Could I have some products at home that contain dioxins?
The following products could possibly be contaminated.
- Pork sausages
- Sausage meat
- Gammon steaks
- Offal from pigs
- Sausage rolls
- Black pudding
- White pudding
- Ready meals with Irish pork/bacon as an ingredient
It is advisable to not to eat any products that may be contaminated.
For updates go to the website of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland