Irish Pork - Your Questions Answered
07/12/2008
Q - Do you use Irish Meat?
A - Some of our pork products are sourced from Ireland but we also use UK, German and Danish Pork.
Q - Are you affected by the Dioxin Issue?
A - In light of this issue, we have reviewed all our pork products and withdrawn a limited number of batches of product that contained some Irish pork as a precautionary measure. We are confident that all the meat we are now using is sourced from suppliers outside of Ireland and Northern Ireland and this will remain the same until further notice.
Q - What is it all about?
A - Dioxins are environmental contaminants that may be formed during combustion processes and may be present in industrial wastes. It is illegal for dioxins at certain levels to be in food products as they are associated with a range of health effects when there is long term exposure to them at relatively high levels. For further information, visit the Food Standard Agency's website www.food.gov.uk.
Q - Does this affect the cost of my Pizza?
A - In a small number of restaurants and delivery Huts we will have a temporary shortage of ham or other pork toppings so we are asking customers to choose other pizzas from our menu.
Q - Can I substitute another ingredient?
A - Yes, there are many other toppings available to choose from.
Q - What happens if I have already eaten contaminated pork?
A - According to the Food Standards Agency, the risk from eating affected products are only likely if people are exposed to relatively high levels of this contaminant for long periods, and any possible risk to consumer health is extremely low. For further information please visit www.food.gov.uk.
Q - If I have visited Pizza Hut recently would I have eaten contaminated meat?
A - It is unlikely; however, we have withdrawn all Irish pork as a precautionary measure and are waiting for our Irish supplier to confirm whether or not it was affected by this contamination.
Q - When will I be able to have a pork based pizza?
A - Only a very small number of our restaurants will be seriously affected by a short supply of pork as many of our suppliers are based outside or Ireland / Northern Ireland and are therefore not affected.