Dutch authorities probe fries maker in dioxin scare

TERRA.WIRE

Dutch authorities probe fries maker in dioxin scare
THE HAGUE (AFP) Nov 12, 2004
Dutch health authorities are investigating a factory owned by McCain Foods Limited, the world's largest manufacturer of frozen french fries, following a dioxin scare that has led to the quarantining of nearly 200 farms, officials said.

A spokeswoman for the ministry of agriculture said the investigation was intended to ensure that the company was observing food safety regulations after traces of dioxin, a powerful carcinogen, were found in potato peelings sold for cattle feed.

The contamination was traced to marl clay from Germany used in the manufacturing process.

McCain claims to produce one third of the french fries consumed around the world.

Two dairy farms were closed after milk was found to exceed the allowed limits for dioxin.

The agriculture ministry said 88 farms were able to open on Friday, but a further 103 continued to be quarantined pending the result of tests.