DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) -- Ireland has found much higher levels of cancer-causing dioxins in cattle than previously forecast, but insists the problem has been contained and poses no risk to beef-eaters.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland says it has found dioxin levels 100 to 400 times higher than legal limits in cattle at four farms. Initial test results last week suggested contamination levels two to three times above limits.
The Agriculture Department announced Thursday it will destroy all cattle at 21 farms that received feed contaminated by dioxins, a family of chemicals that can cause cancer if digested in sufficient quantity and duration. Food safety officials say no other measures are needed because consumers' exposure to tainted beef was too low to pose a health risk.
