FSA expands meat testing survey

The UK’s Food Safety Authority (FSA) will expand its survey of food authenticity of processed meat items following multiple instances of horse meat labeled as beef. The survey will proceed in three phases, with local authorities responsible for sampling in the first two rounds. Phase one is already underway and includes 224 samples of raw comminuted beef products including burgers, minced beef, beef sausage and meatballs. Phase two runs from February 14 to February 22, and includes 140 samples of beef-based ready meals including frozen, chilled or canned lasagna, chili con carne, ravioli, spaghetti bolognese and other products. Finally in phase three, 150 samples of products containing beef as a major ingredient will be tested for horse DNA as part of a European Commission official control program survey. FSA will disclose testing results for all three phases and announce any formal action in April.