Dutch knew about contaminated eggs last year, Belgium claims

Belgian Agriculture Minister Denis Ducarme, said a document now showed its neighbour knew about the contaminated egg problem as far back as November 2016.

The chemical in question, fipronil, can harm people's kidneys, liver and thyroid glands.

It is used to treat lice and ticks in animals, and as a general insecticide, but it is not approved for use in the food industry.

Mr Ducarme made the revelation about the Netherlands' alleged long-term knowledge of the problem during a hearing on the crisis in the Belgian Parliament.

He said that despite the reports of fipronil in eggs, Dutch authorities made "no official communication", and he has asked for an explanation from officials.

Belgian and Dutch authorities are categorising the destruction and recall of eggs as a precautionary measure.

UCJ, UNILORIN.