Accra (Greater Accra), 16th June 99 -

The Ministry of Trade and Industry on Wednesday announced that it is extending the ban on Belgian chicken, eggs, pork and poultry derivatives to cover all food products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The ban takes immediate effect, according to a statement signed by J.S. Dalrymple-Hayfron, Chief Director of the Ministry.

It said the decision to ban these additional items follows more reported cases of contamination of food and beverages in Belgium. The latest is the contamination of Coca-Cola drinks throughout Belgium.

"All Belgian food products, including meat and beverages are therefore to be withdrawn from the Ghanaian market."

Early this month, the ministry ordered the withdrawal of chicken, eggs, poultry derivatives, including mayonnaise, pasta, pastries and cake, pork and pork products originating from Belgium.

This followed a statement from the Belgian Health Ministry that these products may be unsafe for human consumption as a result of the high level of cancer-causing dioxin used in the poultry industry in that country.