FSA Pyre Tests Indicate PCBs on Anglesey Farm

Friends of the Earth Cymru are calling on the Food Standards Agency to fund toxin tests on samples taken from the Rhosydd Bach farm on Anglesey after the nationwide FSA pyre study indicated high levels of PCBs in hen's eggs on the farm. The environmental group first called on such tests to be carried out after the farmer reported severely deformed chicks being hatched together with a much reduced hatching rate shortly after the Anglesey carcass pyre took place about 200 metres from the free-range farm (1).

FOE Cymru called on a leading toxicologist from Liverpool University to investigate the farm after the farmer contacted the group. Ash, eggs, the body of a deformed chick and other samples were taken by the toxicologist in early May. FOE Cymru called on the Assembly to fund tests on these samples, at a cost of £2,000. To date no funds have been forthcoming. Considering the relatively small sum needed FOE Cymru have been disappointed by this, especially considering the nature of the issue and the concerns of the farmer's family.

The PCBs could have been a result of combustion of materials in the pyre or from a totally unconnected source but the timing is of interest.

Neil Crumpton, campaigner for FOE Cymru said:

" The PCBs may have come from the pyre or another source and any chemical signature in the test data may enable the source to be finally tracked down. So we support the further tests by the FSA and call on them to include the samples taken by the University toxicologist. We are relieved that dioxin contamination appears not to be significantly elevated in the locality."

Notes

1) Friends of the Earth Cymru

Press Release 29.05.01

Third Severely Deformed Chick Born Near Anglesey Pyre

A third severely deformed chick has been born on a free-range farm close to the Anglesey pyre site heightening concerns of environmentalists. Two chicks, with deformities not seen before in the lifetime of the farmer, were born some weeks ago prompting calls from green campaigners Friends of the Earth Cymru for the authorities to issue health warnings and carry out an investigation.

The campaigners are concerned that the severe deformities and the much reduced hatching rate of the farm birds may indicate a concentration of toxins, possibly dioxins, in the area around the pyre. Last Friday the Food Standards Agency issued some general public health warnings about drinking milk from herds living around pyre sites due to concerns about raised dioxin levels.

Following the latest incidents FOE Cymru are calling again on the Assembly and or the Food Standards Agency to fund an investigation quickly as public health could be at risk.

Neil Crumpton spokesperson for FOE Cymru said:

"The farmer has said that the hatching rate for the eggs is around 10% when normally it is over 80%. Now, a third severely deformed chick has been born and had to be destroyed. So we call again on the Assembly or the Food Standards Agency to announce and conduct an investigation into these incidents rapidly. They should also issue public health warnings about consuming any farm produce including eggs and vegetables, as well as milk, produced in the locality of carcass pyres."