Dioxin cause in German beet pulp found
Dioxin contaminated animal feed has now appeared in ten states in Germany. Residues were blocked and may not be fed, the cause has been identified. According to authorities, there is no danger to humans, animals and the environment.
The dioxin-contaminated animal feed scandal expands in Germany. So far, ten states are affected, as a survey revealed from news agency dpa last week.
Meanwhile the search for the cause of the dioxin in animal feed from Saxony-Anhalt is ongoing. In North Rhine-Westphalia the search has resulted in finding a defect gas washer which clears gas for production of sugar.
Any residual amounts are now blocked everywhere and cannot be fed. The found levels are low and there is no danger to humans, animals and the environment authorities said.
The dioxin was found in sugar beet pulp from a manufacturer in Euskirchen (North Rhine-Westphalia) which exceeded the permitted maximum level.
Also contaminated pulp in Saxony-Anhalt
In Saxony-Anhalt had a sugar plant in Könnern has delivered some 35,000 tonnes of beet pulp, which contained too much dioxin.
Of this volume 3,700 tons were delivered to other states, the rest went to firms in the area, and another part has been locked.
"Since we are dealing with minor violations, we assume that hazards from the consumption of products – so meat and dairy – are not to be feared," said Environment Minister Hermann Ono Aeikens of Saxony-Anhalt.
Residual amounts are expected to be burned and also in the other states the feeds should be burned.
The origin of the poison is still unclear. Meanwhile, the manufacturer in Könnern agreed to withdraw affected beet pellets.
Contaminated pulp so far turned up in Bavaria, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.
Farmers in The Netherlands have received contaminated beet pulp from North-Rhine Westphalia.
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