Horse DNA found in meat products in Greece

28.2.13

Two meat products have been found to contain horse DNA. The two positive samples were found in two shipments of frozen beef from Romania, weighing in total 1,064 kilos.

EFET, the Greek Food Authority, announced that the products were labeled “Frozen beef meat neck” and “Frozen beef meat topside” and were imported by the “Zikoudi Vasiliki” firm. The Veterinary Department of the Directory of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine of the Piraeus Regional Union seized the contaminated products on the 14^th of February.

As of yet 76 samples have been sent for analysis, of which 26 have been tested and two were found to be positive for horse DNA. The 76 samples were taken from meat production and procession plants, catering companies, cold stores and retailers. EFET and the relevant ministerial and regional directorates are continuing their checks throughout the country.