Iceland's Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) is conducting an extensive trace operation for approximately 6.5 tons of lamb meat sold in both domestic and international markets following the discovery of dioxin contamination linked to a nearby waste incineration plant.
The bulk of the affected product—roughly five tons—was exported to international markets, according to Iceland Review.
A prohibition on sales has been implemented for products originating from Efri-Engidalur farm, located in Skutulsfjördur near the town of Ísafjördur in the West Fjords region. Laboratory analysis of milk, meat, and animal feed from the farm revealed dioxin concentrations exceeding established health safety thresholds, with pollution traced to the local waste-burning facility.
According to ruv.is, a total of 384 lambs potentially exposed to dioxin pollution from three farms in the Skutulsfjördur area were processed during the previous slaughter season. Additional meat was distributed from farms situated near other waste-burning stations throughout Iceland, as reported by Morgunbladid.
Kjartan Hreinsson, a representative from MAST, acknowledged that some of the contaminated lamb has likely been consumed. However, he emphasized that dioxin contamination poses health risks primarily through long-term exposure rather than isolated consumption. He declined to disclose the specific destinations where the affected meat was sold.
Morgunbladid indicates that the contaminated product has most likely been removed from retail channels, but MAST will initiate a recall if any remaining inventory is discovered in distribution.
A collaborative statement issued by MAST, the Environment Agency of Iceland, and the Directorate of Health suggests that individuals who consumed the contaminated meat face minimal health risk.
Initial investigations have not identified any measurable toxicity in affected populations. Nevertheless, medical evaluations will be conducted to definitively rule out any health concerns. Community information sessions will be organized in areas adjacent to waste burning facilities to communicate the current situation and outline subsequent measures, Iceland Review concludes.
Source: 5mpublishing