Contaminated Meat – Results From Industry Testing Programme Due on February 15th
Following a meeting between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Food Standards Agency, and representatives from the UK food industry regarding the ongoing contaminated meat incident, it has been agreed that the industry will deliver meaningful results from its testing programme by Friday 15 February.
It has also been agreed that initial tests will focus on the areas of most concern, but that all products will be tested as part of the programme and all results reported.
Defra and the FSA have demanded more authenticity tests on all beef products, such as beefburgers, meatballs and lasagne, and for industry to provide the results to the FSA.
The FSA and the food industry are working together to identify the best points in the supply chain to test as part of the ongoing programme and to publish regular reports of test results..
The FSA remains the lead investigating authority and there is currently no police investigation. However, the FSA and police are working closely and the police will be involved if the evidence suggests a level of criminality within theUKthat the police should deal with. The most recent information regarding Aldi and Findus does suggest gross negligence or possibly criminality, and we are working closely with the French authorities as part of the investigation. Europol are also aware of the FSA’s investigations.
