June 26, 2007

Dutch chickens found to contain excessive water

Food authorities in the UK have discovered that almost 63,000 tonnes of chicken from the Netherlands have been pumped with water and proteins to make it appear heavier and bigger.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is investigating the chicken shipments which may contain as much as 35 percent water when its label said it has 80 percent meat content.

While is not illegal or unhealthy to add water or animal protein to chicken, EU regulations require labels to indicate what has been added.

The FSA is considering tighter inspections of chicken products at ports and to expand their survey of chickens at the retail level. The agency said it would raise the issue with the Dutch authorities and is would report its concerns to the European Commission.

The FSA said the number of cases has been small and there is no question that it is safe for consumption.