Ireland - Authorities Begin Slaughtering Cattle In Dioxins Latest

Cattle from 21 farms in the Republic of Ireland, have had the test results for dioxins in the meat prove positive.

The Department of Agriculture has acted promptly, and ordered the culling of cattle from the affected properties, and they are to be destroyed and not enter the food chain.

"This is going to have a devastating effect on the Irish meat and farming industries, who have spent the last 40 years building a world class reputation for quality, traceabilty and safety in all of their food products," said an industry spokesman.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), released a statement on Thursday night stating, "The trade withdrawal of meat from the 21 farms in question was initiated on Tuesday and is ongoing".

Alan Reilly from the FSAI, said meat not already consumed will be re-called and all animals on the farms will be destroyed