Call for Gwent councils' horse meat test results to be published (From South Wales Argus)

Call for Gwent councils' horse meat test results to be published

11:10am Monday 25th February 2013 in News

ALL test results for horse meat should be published by local authorities, an AM said.

Gwent Plaid AM Lindsay Whittle said recent developments show the need for local authorities to be open and transparent with the results of any testing their carry out.

Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire all had to remove burgers from school meals after horse meat was found at a burger manufacturer in Powys.

Mr Whittle, who serves as AM for South Wales East and is also a Caerphilly councillor, said: “This latest development in the horse meat scandal illustrates the need for local authorities to be open and transparent with the results of any testing they carry out.

“I’d like to see councils publish the results of testing on their websites in the same way as hygiene ratings on food premises are now available for inspection.”

He said parents will naturally be concerned and the whole saga has strengthened the need for more testing of meat products, not just those supplied to supermarkets but also schools, hospitals and restaurants.

“I have eaten horse abroad but obviously people must be aware of what they are eating, and in the UK eating horse is seen as culturally unacceptable,” he added.

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay said he was concerned to learn burgers are being supplied to local schools in Gwent.

He said: “It is important that parents can have complete faith in those entrusted to look after their children and that they know what they are eating.

“Parents should be reassured that local councils have now made alternative arrangements for the supply of burgers to schools.

“Tighter controls must be put in place to ensure that the delays surrounding removing these products from the supply chain are improved upon.”