A nationwide testing of 364 beef product samples in the UK revealed that three products contained pork DNA above 1%, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The products that contained pig DNA are: ASDA Spaghetti and Meatballs, ASDA Beef Cannelloni, and Apetito Beef Lasagne.
FSA noted that both Asda products have been withdrawn from sale. In addition, Apetito has indicated that almost all of its product will have been served, but unused stock can be returned to the company.
The testing included two phases. The phase one of the study involved testing of 224 samples of frozen and chilled products including burgers, beef sausages, meatballs and minced beef. Two products were found to contain levels of pig DNA above 1%. However, to date no products are verified as containing horse DNA at a level above 1%.
Preliminary tests showed that seven samples, representing six different products, may contain horse DNA above 1% and a further three may contain pig DNA above 1%. Further checks are required to verify this.
In the phase two of testing, the agency evaluated 140 samples in order to ensure a wider range of processed beef products. This included ready meals (frozen, chilled and tinned). One product tested so far contains levels of pig DNA above 1% but none contain horse DNA above this level.
FSA had considered samples from a range of businesses including retail outlets, wholesale and catering suppliers and catering outlets.
