Four more products have tested positive for horse DNA in the latest set of results received by the UK’s Food Standards Agency from the industry.
In a third set of testing updates published today (1 March), the FSA said that, although the vast majority of products – more than 99% – tested negative for horse DNA, at or above the levels of 1%, four further products have been confirmed as containing horsemeat.
According to the FSA, the four products are covered by ten test results that show horse DNA at or above the 1% threshold and have been withdrawn from sale. The products included Birds Eye Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese and Beef Lasagne; spicy minced beef skewers from Brakes; and Taco Bell ground beef.
There has now been a total of 17 products confirmed as containing horse DNA at or over 1% through industry testing, while a further two products had been identified by separate tests. To date, no positive tests of products found the veterinary medicine phenylbutazone, also known as bute.
“Results have now been received from a range of manufacturers, retailers, caterers, restaurants and wholesalers throughout the UK. The initial phase of testing by industry is almost complete,” the FSA said.
It added that the industry will continue to test for the presence of horse DNA in its beef products, reporting to the FSA. The tests will be published at quarterly intervals.
