Issued By Durham County Council

KING PRAWN SAFETY FEARS

Shops, consumers and caterers were today urged to check their freezers for potentially contaminated king prawns.

The European Commission has warned that certain batches of prawns and shrimps from South East Asia have tested positive for banned veterinary medicine residues.

The warning applies to Ocean Pearl brand Tiger King Prawn Rings with a batch coding of BBE Mar 03 1259.

"The medicine residues have been linked with a variety of health issues including a possible increased risk of cancer in humans through long-term consumption," said Phillip Holman, Durham County Council's Head of Consumer Services.

"As the amount of residue is very low, the risk is also expected to be very low.

"Major suppliers have been identified nationwide and the affected batches removed from sale, but some have been sold through wholesalers and may be available in smaller shops and in catering establishments.

"We are working with our environmental health colleagues to ensure that all identified stock is safely removed from sale locally," he said.

Councillor Don Ross, Deputy Leader of the County Council, said:  "We would advise retailers, caterers and consumers to check carefully for this product and dispose of it as a precautionary safety measure."

Note to News Editors:  For further information contact Peter Fleming, Assistant Head of Consumer Services, on 0191 383 3584, or Duncan Castling, divisional manager, on 0191 383 3056 or email duncan.castling@durham.gov.uk