Belizean bans importation of meat products from EU

Belizean importers as well as the general public are being advised that there is a temporary ban on the importation of animal products from the European Union due to contamination. The EU has confirmed that poultry products from Belgium are tainted with dioxin, a carcinogenic agent that was in the animal feed. Animals in Belgium, Holland, France and Germany have also been contaminated. As a result the United States and several other countries have stopped the importation of a number of products from these countries. The Ministry of Agriculture says Belize has probably not received any of the tainted canned goods, but as a general precaution no permits for meat or poultry items from any EU country will be issued until Belize is given the all clear by authorities in Europe. Importers who would like to find out if their current stock or containers, just arrived with chicken sausages, hot dogs, luncheon meat or other items are okay are advised to call the Ministry of Agriculture for assistance.