Horse DNA Detected in Canned Beef from Romania

1 Nov 2013 --- The UK FSA has been informed that a batch of canned sliced beef that was found to contain horse DNA has been withdrawn from sale. Horse meat is not identified in the ingredients list and therefore it should not have been present in the product.

The canned beef was manufactured in Romania in January 2013 and supplied to Home Bargains (TJ Morris Ltd) and Quality Save stores in the UK. The 320g packs are described on the label as ‘Food Hall Sliced Beef in Rich Gravy.’

The presence of horse DNA in the product was identified during routine testing carried out by Lincolnshire County Council trading standards officers. The product was found to contain horse DNA at a level of between 1 and 5%. It also tested negative for the presence of the drug phenylbutazone, known as 'bute'.

The affected batch has been withdrawn from sale. If you have this product stored you are advised to return it to where you bought it. The affected batch has a ‘best before’ date of January 2016 and a batch code of 13.04.C.