Police in the UK and Ireland asked to probe more horse meat
Police in both the UK and Ireland were asked to investigate the continuing twists in the horsemeat scandal.
Speaking after tests confirmed horse DNA in frozen beef at Freeza Meats’ cold store in Northern Ireland, deputy first minister Martin McGuinness said: “If there was criminal activity, the police should investigate.”
His comments followed Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmation that two of 12 meat samples held in the cold store contained about 80% horse meat.
Authorities are investigating the source of contamination but said potentially linked to the Silvercrest factory in the Republic of Ireland.
Irish agriculture minister, Simon Coveney asked police to investigate a separate development at Rangleland Foods in County Monagham, where tests revealed 75% horse DNA in meat filler ingredient imported from Poland.
Meanwhile, the FSA agreed with meat industry representatives to publish the results of DNA meat testing in a bid to restore consumer faith within the sector.