FDBusiness.com

Tesco is to introduce DNA testing across its meat products following recent tests in Ireland that found horse DNA in three of the UK retailers frozen beef burger lines. Tesco has also decided to drop Silvercrest, the Irish supplier of the burgers concerned. Tesco has already issued an unreserved apology to customers.

“We made a commitment to customers to investigate thoroughly and share the findings with them,” says Tim Smith, Group Technical Director at Tesco. “Since then, we have been working hard to understand what happened and how we can stop it ever happening again.”

He continues: “The evidence tells us that our frozen burger supplier, Silvercrest, used meat in our products that did not come from the list of approved suppliers we gave them. Nor was the meat from theUKorIreland, despite our instruction that only beef from the UK and Ireland should be used in our frozen beef burgers. Consequently we have decided not to take products from that supplier in future.”

Tesco is also introducing a comprehensive system of DNA testing across its meat products. “This will identify any deviation from our high standards,” says Tim Smith. “These checks will set a new standard. It will be a significant investment for Tesco, borne by Tesco. We want to leave customers in no doubt that we will do whatever it takes to ensure the quality of their food and that the food they buy is exactly what the label says it is.”