Analysis confirmed presence of DNA of horse meat in samples of frozen foodstuffs with minced beef, which were taken by the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority in retail. The protocol on the laboratory analysis states: “Horse DNA was proved in the sample analysed by the PCR method followed by the sequential analysis.” Adding of non-declared horse meat has been proved at two lots of food so far:
Nowaco Lasagne Bolognese – pasta filled with meat in tomato sauce – frozen –packaging à 400 g, best before 24. 2. 2014, lot: 24/02/14 240/12 8:30, country of origin: Luxembourg,
Nowaco Lasagne Bolognese – pasta filled with meat in tomato sauce – frozen –, packaging à 400 g, best before 18. 10. 2013, lot: 18/10/13 111/12 17:03, country of origin: Luxembourg,
Both samples were taken at the premises of Tesco Stores ČR a.s., Rokycanská 1385/130 in Plzeň. CAFIA ordered the seller to promptly withdraw the products in question from his retail network.
Horse meat is not harmful to humans and it is offered in the Czech Republic as well. If a laboratory analysis shows presence of horse meat in a product and this ingredient is not given on the labelling in compliance with food law requirements, it is misleading of consumers. The Act enables here to impose a fine up to 3,000,000.-CZK.