more dioxin in europe

[Neil Tangri <ntangri@essential.org>]

                EU clamps down after dioxin found in
                German clay 

                BELGIUM: November 22, 1999

                BRUSSELS - The European Commission said it had
                imposed an emergency dioxin limits on certain
                German clays, which can be used as additives to
                animal feed. 

                The Commission said the kaolinitic clays from mines in
                Germany had been found to contain concentrated levels of
                highly toxic dioxins and had imposed a provisional
                maximum limit of 0.5 nanogrammes per kilogramme of
                product to be considered safe.

                It said in a statement the dioxin contamination was
                probably of geological origin and none of the clays affected
                had entered the food or animal feed chain.

                All contaminated clay batches had been seized and would
                be destroyed.

                Kaolinitic clay is one of many such substances authorised
                for use as an animal feed additive in the form of a binder,
                anti-caking agent and coagulant. The maximum dioxin limit
                will be reviewed in March 2000. 

                REUTERS NEWS SERVICE