Undeclared horse meat DNA has been found in Spanish burgers, a leading consumer organisation revealed today (29 January).

Following the discovery of horse meat in burgers sold at retailers in the UK and Ireland, Spanish consumer watchdog Organización de consumidores y usuarios (OCU) undertook independent tests to examine whether horse meat had entered the supply chain of retailers in Spain.

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According to the organisation, two of 20 products tested came back positive for horse meat. These products were on sale at Alipende and Eroski, the OCU said.

A spokesperson for the consumer body told just-food that the organisation was concerned because the burgers labels, which claim to be 100% beef, “deceived” consumers.

The spokesperson added: “With this, you must think can you trust the labels of products?”

Alipende and Eroski were not available for comment at time of press.

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According to Irish food safety officials, the horse meat DNA in UK and Ireland has been tracked to a filler ingredient from Poland. However, Spanish food safety officials have been helping Ireland’s Food Safety Authority with its inquiry.

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