French retailer Auchan has confirmed that horse DNA has been detected in its own label meatballs and hamburgers sold in Portugal by the group’s local subsidiary.

It follows a statement from Portuguese consumer protection association, DECO, which purchased 30 samples of products from Auchan and El Corte Inglés
outlets and had them tested by an independent laboratory.

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The statement said testing revealed three of the samples contained horse DNA.

Traces of less than 1% were found in Auchan branded hamburgers and its low price brand Polegar’s meat balls.

The supplier in question only delivered to Auchan in Portugal, a spokesman for the retailer said.

Auchan Portugal’s own testing confirmed these results and the products had been immediately removed from sale.

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Slightly higher traces of horse DNA had been found in El Corte Inglés’ lasagne, DECO said.

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