Meat supplier disputes undeclared discovery of horsemeat in product

Meat supplier and food manufacturer Chef Choice has disputed a report by the Environment Health Directorate that its product contained undeclared horsemeat and pork.

Earler today, the directorate said undeclared horse meat and pork was found in Chef Choice beef sausages frozen-packed in 1000g plastic bags. Undeclared pork was also found in frozen British Premium Sausages packed in 454g plastic black trays (lot B114-08), beef burgers by The Food House packed in white trays, (use-by date of 28/02/14), and fresh beef  burgers by Scott's Supermarket (packed on April 3 and carrying a use-by date on April 9) packed in black trays.

According to the directorate, they have a misleading product description since some ingredients were not declared.

These cases are still under investigation by the competent authorities to identify the source of the undeclared meats involved.

But Chef Choice, who did not exclude suing for damages, said that its manufacturing processes are frequently subjected to EU inspections and its product perfectly fit for human consumption.

"A sample of the product was taken last February by the Health Authorities and the company asked for further tests when the same Authorities communicated their findings, stating that the product contains traces of undeclared horsemeat," the company said. 

"The Authorities have responded that no further tests on this product could be made since no further samples were taken."

The Companies involved were instructed to withdraw the products in question from the market. However since some of these products may have already been purchased by the consumers this Directorate is thus informing the public accordingly.

For further information the public is kindly requested to contact the Health Inspectorate Services between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on telephone number 21337333, or by calling personally at its offices at Continental Business Centre, Cutrico Buildings, Old Railway Track, Santa Venera or by email [email protected]

The public is also being invited to access the Directorate's Facebook page at http://www.facbook.com/pages/Environmental-Health-Directorate-Malta/1450278778928626 or our official website at https://ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/public_health/environmental-health/press_releases/press_releases_2013.aspx for similar information.