UNISON, the UK’s largest union, is calling for more inspection and testing of all horse meat to protect public safety.
The union is particularly concerned about the prospect of Bute (Phenylbutazone) getting into the food chain. It is widely used to prevent inflammation in horses, but is toxic to humans.
Not every horse slaughtered in the UK for human consumption is tested for Bute, but when they are, tests can take several weeks to come back. The union is deeply concerned that this delay makes it difficult to recall all the infected meat.
The union is also calling for a review of the decision to scrap the National Equine Database. There is a real risk that without the database horses may receive multiple passports. One recording the medical history, the other giving a clean bill of health.
Ian Adderley, UNISON national officer in the meat hygiene service, said:
“We are deeply concerned that substances unfit for human consumption could be getting into the food chain and onto people’s plates. Not enough tests are done, and even when they are, the delayed reporting process makes it difficult to recall every piece of infected meat.
“Government cuts to the National Equine Database means that the horse meat passport system isn’t working, so consumers aren’t protected.
“The only way to make sure that horse meat is safe to eat is to increase inspection and testing of horse meat. UNISON is calling for this to happen as a matter of urgency.”
UNISON represents the majority of meat inspectors in the UK.
ENDS
