Aussies 'not at risk' from Irish pork

Consumers should have very little to worry about when enjoying their Christmas pork
this year, despite a scare abroad.
Dioxins have been detected in Irish pork overseas, Australia's food safety regulator
says.
The Irish government has recalled all pork products from retailers' shelves after
discovering some pigs were fed a dioxin-contaminated feed.
Dioxins are environmental contaminants formed during "combustion processes" and may
be present in industrial waste.
Irish authorities say although the risk through short-term consumption is minimal,
long-term exposure could cause health problems.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand spokeswoman Lydia Buchtmann told AAP that
despite the discovery, it was unlikely that pork products in Australia would contain
the dioxins.
"If any pork products were found to be from Ireland, FSANZ would take action, but we
believe it's unlikely at this stage," she said.
FSANZ says it will continue to work with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection
Service to ensure Irish pork products cannot be imported.
It is understood the majority of pork imported into Australia comes from Canada and
Denmark.