Ministers from across Europe are to meet in Brussels tomorrow to discuss tightening regulations on processed meat in the wake of the growing scandal over horse meat found in beef products.
The summit comes as supermarkets in Britain were urged by the Food Standards Agency to test pork, chicken and other meats for cross-contamination. Meanwhile, Tesco has admitted that it had been selling frozen spaghetti bolognese ready meals which were between 60% and 100% horse meat.
Tomorrow’s meeting has been called by Ireland, which holds the EU presidency, and where the scandal began after horse meat was discovered in frozen beef burgers. The country’s agriculture minister Simon Coveney said the summit was being held to discuss “whatever steps may be necessary at EU level to comprehensively address this matter”.
Measures on the agenda will reportedly include labelling processed meat for its origin. Meanwhile processed meat manufacturers in Ireland have been asked to carry out DNA testing in a bid to reassure consumers and export markets.
Categories: Europe