Fooddrinkeurope: Fraud in Processed Beef Products Is Unacceptable

STATEMENT

Brussels, 11 February 2013

FoodDrinkEurope: “Fraud in processed beef products is unacceptable”

FoodDrinkEurope, the representative body for Europe’s food and drink manufacturers, is very concerned to learn of the presence of horse meat in processed meat products which was incorrectly labelled. This is serious matter of food fraud.The industry does not tolerate such practices which are in contravention of EU food law.

This incident is not a matter of food safety but rather a labelling issue. Horsemeat for human consumption per se, doesnot present afood safety issue but should be labelled as such.

Food business operators have robust traceability systems in place to ensure the integrity of their raw materials. Europe’s food manufacturers will endeavour to work together with their food chain partners to protect the authenticity of meat and other ingredients used in the manufacture of safe, high quality, tasty and affordable food products and drink products for consumers.

Meanwhile, we understand that investigations are underway and we hope that the identification of the source and investigation of those who have committed this fraud will be identified rapidly, and the situation normalised immediately.

-ENDS-

For further information:

Lisa McCooey, Deputy Director General/ Director of Communications

Tel.: +32 2 514 11 11, Mob.: +32 476 911 300

The mission of FoodDrinkEurope is to represent the food and drink industries of the EU– the largest manufacturing sector in the EU in terms of turnover, employment and value added. FoodDrinkEurope works with European and international institutions, in order to contribute to the development of a legislative and economic framework addressing the competitiveness of industry, food quality and safety, consumer protection and respect for the environment. FoodDrinkEurope's membership consists of 25 national federations, including 3 observers, 25 European sector associations and 18 major food and drink companies. For more information on FoodDrinkEurope and its activities, visit:

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