- Horse meat does not pose a food safety risk, but is more of a perception issue by consumers.
- From a food safety perspective, the EU horse meat scandal is more of a ‘traceability’ issue for those companies involved.
- In Europe, there were many suppliers and many middleman involved as meat was sourced from various countries in Europe. The testing of meat continues. A table of test results - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-21412590
- It is once again legal to slaughter horses in the US, but currently, no US facilities are doing so. And FSIS does not allow imported horse meat.
- In 2010, some 137,000 horses were sent from the US to Mexico and Canada to be slaughtered.
- Meat testing is done primarily by DNA testing using PCR methodology. ELISA technology (using antibodies) is also used, but is not as effective for processed meat products.
U.S. officials: No horse meat in our beef
The U.S. has not become embroiled in the horse meat scandal in Europe
Elizabeth Weise7:42p.m. EST March 1, 2013 USA Today
The horse meat scandal in Europe keeps getting bigger but U.S. officials say it's unlikely there's any horse meat hidden in U.S. meat products.
Genetic tests have found ground horse meat in beef in Ireland, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic. On Friday Taco Bell outlets in Britain found traces of the meat in what was supposed to be 100% beef. The company has removed all beef products from its menu in the United Kingdom.
There is no link between Taco Bell suppliers in Europe and the United States, the company said.
How the horse meat entered the European food supply is unknown.
