Ireland-South Africa meat ban lifted.

IRELAND-South African trade restrictions imposed on Irish pork following the dioxin scare in December have been lifted.

This follows an announcement from Japanese authorities that normal arrangements for importing Irish pig meat are continuing. Irish pork and bacon products were removed from circulation worldwide as a result of the dioxin contamination scare.

Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith has described the decision as an important step in the campaign to restore international confidence in Irish pork products. There were fears that the move could affect international confidence in Irish produce well into the future.