A MAJOR investigation has begun into the contamination of pig meat products after slaughtered animals were found to contain a dangerous toxin.

The inquiries centred on an animal feeds factory in the south east after an industrial pollutant was discovered in the carcasses of pigs. It is believed the contamination happened after oil-based paper, used to wrap out of date bread, was accidentally added to a food mix for the animals.

Department of Agriculture inspectors discovered Polychlorinated Biphenyls (BCPs) in slaughtered pigs in a number of farms around the area. Several pig farms were banned from selling or slaughtering the animals while tests took place this weekend. It was not known yet whether there was any threat to human health but the toxins involved can cause serious illness if ingested. The investigation was trying to determine whether any of the affected meat had made it into the food chain.

Fine Gael's Feargus O'Dowd said: "Obviously there are serious concerns about this and we will have to anxiously await the results of these tests." O'Dowd had been contacted by a whistle-blower in the food industry.

The movements of animals on up to 10 farms were restricted after the substance was found. Agriculture minister Brendan Smith, his officials and the Food Safety Authority held crisis talks at Government Buildings last night.