4700 EGG FARMS SHUT DOWN IN GERMANY

.BERLIN: Regional authorities in Germany have ordered the closure of 4709 farms because of a dioxin scare, the Agriculture Ministry says.

The BBC reported that officials said the dioxin levels did not pose a risk to humans and the closures were only a precaution.

However, dioxin, a byproduct of burning rubbish and industrial activities, can cause miscarriages, cancer and other health problems in humans.

Most of the farms involved were pig properties in Lower Saxony, in the country's north-west, the ministry said.

Until the farms had been checked and found clear of contamination, they would not be allowed to make any deliveries.

It was in Lower Saxony that 2500 out of the 3000 tonnes of contaminated fatty acids at the centre of the alert were delivered in November and December, where they were used as animal fodder.

The firm Harles und Jentzsch, in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, is alleged to have supplied up to 3000 tonnes of contaminated fatty acids, meant only for industrial use, to about 25 animal feed makers.