Muslim leader warns on pork DNA

4 February 2013 Last updated at 06:56 ET

A leader of Ireland's Muslims has warned that the discovery of pork DNA in halal products could damage the reputation of Irish meat.

Tyrone food company McColgan's and distributors 3663 withdrew products after pork traces were found in pies meant for English and Irish jails.

Pork is strictly forbidden by Islamic dietary rules.

Dr Ali Saleem said on RTE's Morning Ireland that for a Muslim, eating pork was "equivalent to taking drugs".

He said Irish beef had a "wonderful reputation among Muslims in Britain and Ireland" but it would now have to be tested by the Muslim community's own agencies.

The Food Standards Agency NI, however, said no pork meat was found in halal products meant for prisons in England and Wales.

County Tyrone food company McColgan's and distributors 3663 withdrew products after traces of pork DNA were found.

The tests were carried out following the discovery of horse meat in beefburgers produced in County Monaghan.

The burgers had been on sale in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

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Muslim leader warns on pork DNA