The authorities’ handling of Northern Ireland’s pork contamination crisis was last night branded ‘inept’.

Politician and pork retailer Jim Shannon claimed inadequate advice was being given to the industry.

Yesterday the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned that pork from Northern Ireland and the Republic should not be eaten because of feed contamination concerns.

A total of 56 Irish farms — including nine in Northern Ireland — have so far been linked to dioxin contaminated pig feed.

The Food Standards Agency has sought to allay fears and emphasised that consumers did not face a “significant risk”.

It was being stressed that health effects from eating affected products are only likely if people are exposed to relatively high levels of the contaminant for long periods.

Dozens of pork products including sausages, bacon, ham, salami and white puddings have now been removed from shop shelves across Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and the Republic.

In England, the Waitrose chain confirmed it had taken the precautionary measure of withdrawing two lines of pork sausages being sold under the brand of celebrity Northern Ireland chef Paul Rankin.

Last night, Mr Shannon claimed concerned local retailers were demanding immediate action.

“I think the whole thing is a shambles. The way the whole thing has been handled is inept and a disgrace. I couldn’t get to speak to a Department of Agriculture official to give me guidance. I have had people who I supply and people who supply me with pork on the phone asking what they should do? They have been telling me that they can’t get in touch with anyone in authority.

“I have had four suppliers from my area alone on the phone telling me they couldn’t speak to an official.

“There has been no guidance and the fact is that any information we have received has tended to pose more questions than answers,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.

The source of the contamination is thought to have been a licensed mill in the Republic which manufactures animal feed.

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew yesterday said: “To date, nine farms in the north have been identified as having used the contaminated feed. We are supplying the FSA with all the necessary information to allow them to take an informed decision.”

She also stated: “There is obviously a large amount of north/ south movement of these products in Ireland and we need to carefully consider the way ahead.”

News of the crisis comes as pork producers, manufacturers and retailers, already struggling to cope with rising fuel and grain prices, were gearing up for their busiest time of year.

Added Mr Shannon: “There is widespread confusion — people don’t know what’s happening. And at this time of year when everyone is looking for ham, everybody is left wondering what to do. They don’t know whether they should destroy the pork or what to do.”

It is understood a number of Northern Ireland’s biggest pork producers met yesterday to discuss the situation.

Added Mr Shannon: “It’s hard to say just how much damage has been caused to the pork industry.

“I am very disappointed at how it has all been handled. This is the biggest and busiest time of year for us — it’s gammon season — people are wanting to sit down to turkey and ham but there will be no one in any of the factories putting anything out on Monday.”

Tesco confirmed yesterday that all pork products sourced from Northern Ireland and the Republic have been withdrawn from sale.

Tesco’s Stores Director for Northern Ireland Gary Mills said: “We feel that we should take this measure in the interests of our customers. We apologise to them sincerely for the inconvenience this causes. We hope they will bear with us while we wait to have the full position clarified by the authorities.

“I would urge both the FSA and DARD to work with retailers, processors and producers in order to bring a swift conclusion to this situation at what is a crucial time for the local industry.”

A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s in Northern Ireland said: “We are fully aware of the emerging situation regarding Irish pork products. We are currently working with our suppliers to take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of the pork products that we offer our customers.”