the Austrian health ministry seized 13.62 kilogramme of Dutch calves' liver that tested positive for the antibiotic chloramphenicol (cap). The authorities confiscated the meat immediately and placed the stock under strict veterinary quarantine.

It is believed that a Dutch slaughterhouse had exported veal contaminated with the potentially dangerous cap to Germany, France and Austria.

The Austrian health ministry contends that the contamination was caused due to a technical flaw.

Investigators in Germany, Denmark, Poland and Romania are also trying to track down a consignment of animal feed containing fish ingredients from the Netherlands laced with cap which is used to treat diseases such as anthrax and typhoid.