Polish authorities have confirmed that horse DNA has been detected in three of the country’s meat processing plants. The chief veterinary inspectorate said in a statement that three out of 121 samples of meat in the three plants tested positive, with another 80 samples still being studied.
The plants are in the central provinces of Mazowia and Lodz as well as the northeastern area of Warmia-Mazury.
Chief veterinarian Janusz Zwiäzek said that investigations were ongoing to determine the source and amount of horse meat in the samples.
“This is a very tedious process, so please be patient. We have lots of evidence,” he told Polish Radio.
The discovery follows an announcement by the Czech authorities of horse DNA in beef burgers supplied by FVZ Deli Meat plant in the Polish region of Lower Silesia. Three tonnes of meat were seized from the plant.
Polish branches of IKEA have as a precautionary measure stopped using beef from local suppliers in meatballs for its in-store restaurants.
German retailer Aldi has pulled a ready-made goulash from its shelves after traces of horse were found in the product, supplied by a German company, Dreistern Konserven, with meat sourced from the Mipol producer in southern Poland.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/5fed9ec9-e0d2-4b29-898a-83fc9bc5d78e.png)