Hundreds of farms in Belgium and the Netherlands remain under quarantine as part of a scare over levels of the carcinogen, dioxin.

In Germany tests are being carried out on animals from five farms. Dutch and Belgian food officials said meat from contaminated farms has been sold in shops but said there was no serious risk to public health. The dioxin got into ingredients used to make animal feed in October. Belgian animal food industry spokesman Ivan Dejaegher said it affects some 400 breeders. “Some importers and exporters have closed their markets,” he said. “That will have extremely serious economic consequences and it will take years to rebuild the brand’s reputation.” Produce from more than 650 farms, including some raising chickens, in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands cannot be sold or transported for the moment. However officials said there were no plans to recall meat from shops. ends 1 03”

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