High levels of the poisonous chemical dioxin were found in eggs from a German farm, resulting in a recall of 268,000 eggs in the country.
The farm is located in the Emsland area in the north German state of Lower Saxony, and the eggs from the farm were distributed to seven German states including Lower Saxony.
The excessive levels of dioxin were identified by the farm's own safety checks. The farm with its 12,000 chickens has been quarantined.
According to the state agriculture ministry, there is no acute danger to public health because dioxin is dangerous only if consumed over long periods. Small doses are not harmful.
Currently, the ministry is examining whether the contamination could have caused by contaminated feed. It is also evaluating whether the contamination could have originated in the area surrounding the farm.
In January 2011, 3,000 tons of animal fed contaminated with industrial fats containing the toxic chemical were shipped to farms across Germany - leading to the contamination of eggs, poultry meat and pork.
This led to a temporary closure of hundreds of farms and the culling of thousands of animals. Germany then rolled out a number of measures including restrictions on animal feed ingredients and increased inspections of farms and feed.
