New dioxin find in Germany poses no danger

German sugar producer Pfeifer & Langen reported it had produced sugar beet pulp with dioxin levels of 1.0-1.6 nanograms, per kilo, "slightly above" permitted levels of 0.75 nanograms, a spokesman for the agriculture ministry in the state government of North Rhine Westphalia said.

 

"We see no danger," the spokesman said. "The sugar pulp usually makes up only 10-15% of a TMR ration in dairy feeds and the levels are not so high that the entire animal feed mixture would be pushed over the limits."

 

Unlisted Pfeifer & Langen had itself informed authorities.

 

"We see a problem in part of the process chain which is being investigated. Currently we see no necessity to issue a warning," the ministry spokesman added.

 

Deliveries had been made to Germany and the Netherlands, he said. They were being recalled.

 

Eight suppliers and 30 farmers in Rheinland-Pfalz region who received the contaminated beet pulp were locked and milk samples will be tested for dioxin levels.