Update on progress of FSA beef product surveys

Sampling of the first and second phases of the Food Standards Agency's UK-wide survey of beef produc…

Sampling of the first and second phases of the Food Standards Agency's UK-wide survey of beef products has been completed and the initial test results published today. The results show that 212 of the 224 samples taken in phase one are negative for both horse and pig DNA at or above the 1% threshold.

For phase one, two products contain levels of pig DNA above 1%. So far, no products are verified as containing horse DNA at a level above 1%. Preliminary tests show that seven samples, representing six different products, may contain horse DNA above 1% and a further three may contain pig DNA above 1%. However, further checks are needed to verify this. Where levels over the 1% threshold are confirmed, the FSA will publish details as soon as this information is received.

For phase two, one product tested to date contains levels of pig DNA above 1%; none contain horse DNA above this level. Full results of phase two are awaited.

The three products that are confirmed as positive for pig DNA above 1% have already been listed on the companies' websites. They are:

ASDA Spaghetti and Meatballs
ASDA Beef Cannelloni
Apetito Beef Lasagne

Both Asda products have been withdrawn from sale. Details on returning products are on Asda's website. Apetito has indicated that almost all of its product will have been served, but unused stock can be returned to the company.

Local authorities are investigating each case where a product is suspected of containing horse or pig above 1% and have taken steps to ensure that the product is withdrawn from sale pending confirmation of the test results.