The FSA has announced its sampling protocolfor a UK-wide survey of food authenticity in processed meat products. The aim of the survey, which is being carried out with local authority enforcement officers and public analysts, is to provide a representative picture of the extent to which pork or horse DNA is present in beef products. As always with our surveys, results will be published. Furthermore, samples will be gathered in a way that will enable any necessary enforcement action to be taken.
Since this story broke, it has become clear that we are dealing with two separate issues. Of most concern are the findings of gross contamination of beef products with different species. While investigations are still on-going, and may lead to prosecutions, the presence of 30% horse meat in a beef burger suggests adulteration and possibly criminal activity. Our priority must be to prevent consumers being defrauded in this way and to take whatever action is needed to stop it.
This then leaves a secondary, but important, question about what level of DNA carry-over from one species to another might reasonably be expected to occur in a meat plant following hygienic clean-down.
We now have very sensitive techniques available and it seems likely that many of the reports of trace levels of DNA from different species being detected in beef products may be a consequence of using what are essentially forensic techniques to detect authenticity. We have, therefore, agreed with representatives of the food industry that a level of 1% is a reasonable pragmatic level to help distinguish between gross contamination and trace levels of carry-over from one species to another.
As we gather more information, we will no doubt have the opportunity to reflect and, if necessary, refine this position, working with analytical experts, enforcement officers, the food industry and consumers to reach a satisfactory position.
We also recognise that, while this is not a food safety issue, it may be significant to some consumers and faith groups, and we are working with colleagues from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ensure consumer protection through effective labelling.