Malton Bacon Factory is operating normally today after getting the official 'all-clear' from two recent swine fever scares.

The suspected outbreaks saw production halted twice in the same week, most recently on 19 January.

On-site vets were concerned about two pigs sent to the factory from a farm in York.

Vets ruled out swine fever after tests, but samples were sent away for tests which proved negative.

Though the disease poses no risk to humans, a restriction order would have been placed on the factory if any cases had been detected.

Meanwhile, there is still no official announcement over what factory owners Uniq's plans for the business.

Speculation has been rife for months that it is to be sold.

Updated: 14:06 Tuesday, January 30, 2001