The FSAI has published the first set of results of industry tests on beef products, beef ingredients and other ingredients for the presence of horse meat. These tests had been carried out by the Food Industry in light of the current horse meat scandal.
A total of 957 tests were carried out by the industry, 928 samples were found to be negative and 29 samples representing 7 products were found to be positive for the presence of horse meat. All the positive results have been published previously and products have been withdrawn from the market. The testing was carried out on beef meat ingredients and final beef products. They were taken from a range of Suppliers, Caterers, Processors, Manufacturers and Retailers.
The European Commission has asked each member state to put official control plans in place for sampling and testing for the presence of horse DNA in foods marketed and labelled as containing beef. In Ireland, 50 samples of beef products will be taken by the Inspectors between the 1st and 31st of March for the Survey. Commissioner has also requested that one sample for every 50 tonnes of horse meat is to be tested for the presence of Phenylbutazone. All the results of the analysis will be reported to the European Commission by the 15th of April 2013.
Speaking about the latest industry results Liam Moloney, Product Liability Solicitor said today ‘the fact that 7 products have been found to be positive for the presence of horse meat is concerning. Although these products have now been withdrawn from sale it is unknown yet as to whether any injury to Consumers health has been caused by consuming horse meat”.
The priority for testing is on products in which beef meat is a significant ingredient. The types of foods being sampled include beef burgers, beef meal products, minced beef and prepared products in which beef is an ingredient.
If you have consumed meat and think it may have contained phenylbutazone please contact our firm today to see if you can claim compensation.
