June 6, 2007

Two UK supermarket chains to reject meat fed on animal remains

Two UK supermarket chains have they would refuse to sell poultry meat fed on animal byproducts, following an EU announcement that it would boost research into such feeds.

The EU's research so far has indicated that poultry remains could be fed to pigs and pig remains could be fed to poultry with no threats to human health. 

ASDA and Sainsbury's, the two UK supermarket chains also said that they would not sell pork fed on poultry remains.

Consumers may not be ready for it after what happened with mad cow disease, said an ASDA spokeswoman. Mad cow disease was said to have developed after beef from cows who had eaten cow remains caused people who consumed it to develop a lethal disease.

A Sainsbury's spokeswoman added that when sourcing food it is essential that the retailer listen to what customers want and ensure that the food it sold is fresh, tasty, healthy and safe.