April 12, 2013

Netherlands recalls 50,000 tonnes of beef

The food safety authority of the Netherlands has recalled 50,000 tonnes of beef, deemed unsuitable for human consumption and may contain horsemeat.

Dutch authorities are taking precautionary steps as the origins of the meat are unclear. However, a statement added that Dutch authorities have "no concrete indications that there is a risk to public health."

The meat seems to have come from two wholesalers, Wiljo Import en Export BV and Vleesgroothandel Willy Selten. In total, 132 companies in the Netherlands and around 370 more in Europe are affected by this discovery.

The recall covers meat dating back to January 1, 2011 up until February 15 this year, the Dutch food authority said.

According to Benno Bruggink of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), "the meat ended up all over Europe, and I think it has been largely consumed, but the meat we can still find? We are going to recall."

Following the recent discovery of horsemeat in beef products all over Europe, the Netherlands started investigating its own meat industry in February. Authorities are making it clear that there is no direct risk to human health.