Illegal animal feed impounded

The Department hopes to recover the remainder of the cargo (sampled by Greenpeace in Rotterdam, the Netherlands). The material is found to contain GM material not authorised in the EU, though legal in the US.
In Ireland, the cargo (6,000 tonnes of corn gluten feed and 6,200 tonnes of distillers’ dried grain) was discharged at Dublin port in early April from the MV Pakrac.

The feed was certified as not containing GM Herculex Rw maize product, according to the department. However, information was then received in May from the Dutch authorities that official samples showed the maize tested positive for Herculex Rw. These results were confirmed by the State laboratory for analysis.

“While some of the material has already been incorporated into the animal feed chain, it is unlikely, based on the European Food Safety Authority evaluation, to have any adverse effects on human or animal health or the environment,” said the Department.

“In accordance with requirements under EU legislation, the department will ensure that none of the material currently under restriction will enter the food chain,” it said.