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Findus admits its Deep Fill ‘Beef’ Lasagna contained 100% horsemeat

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By John Glenday, Reporter

February 8, 2013 | 2 min read

Findus has become the latest food manufacturer to become snarled up in the growing horsemeat controversy after it was revealed that some of its Deep Fill ‘Beef’’ Lasagna range was in fact composed solely of horsemeat.

Belated tests conducted on the frozen food product revealed that meat in the packs ranged from 60% horsemeat to 100% horsemeat, prompting Findus to make the admission.

This constitutes a crime under food labeling laws and some have voiced concern that the products may also contain ‘Bute’ – a veterinary drug which can cause serious side effects in one in 30,000 people.

The Food Safety Agency is now demanding a review of all beef products to ascertain the full extent of the percolation of horsemeat into the food chain following a series of scandals which broke with news that Tesco beefburgers had been contaminated with horse DNA.

Findus withdrew 320g, 360g and 500g packs of its lasagna products on Monday .

In a statement the firm said: “Findus UK can confirm testing of its beef lasagne has revealed some product containing horse meat. As a precautionary measure, on Monday we coordinated a full withdrawal of our affected beef lasagne.

“We understand it is a very sensitive subject for consumers and we would like to reassure you we have reacted immediately. We do not believe this to be a food safety issue.”

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