No dioxin-tainted Irish beef imported by S. Korea: ministry

SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has not imported any beef from Ireland for
the past few years, the agriculture ministry said Wednesday, dismissing concerns
over possible circulation of dioxin-contaminated beef products from the country.

Foreign media reports showed that high levels of dioxins were found in some Irish
cattle after a dioxin scare there was sparked by the recent discovery of pork
products contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical.
South Korea banned imports of beef and processed meat products from the country
where 21 cases of mad cow disease have been confirmed this year alone, according
to the ministry.
The ministry said that it is closely tracking down pork meat produced and
imported from Ireland after September, as it is regarded highly possible to be
tainted with dioxin.
Of the total pork imports, the ministry said that it has suspended sales of 54.5
tons or 61 percent so far, with tracking-down efforts being currently made on the
remainder.
kokobj@yna.co.kr