Nestle Withdraws Beef Products Containing Horse DNA

Nestle has voluntarily withdrawn certain beef products after enhanced testing conducted by the company revealed the presence of trace amounts of horse DNA, according to an official statement released today.

Tests of Nestle beef products showed that horse DNA was present in food items produced by HJ Schypke, a supplier based in Germany. Nestle subsequently pulled the affected products from shelves and suspended future deliveries from HJ Schypke.

In its official statement Nestle explained the withdrawal as follows:

“Our tests have found traces of horse DNA in two products made from beef supplied by H.J. Schypke. The levels found are above the one percent threshold the UK’s Food Safety Agency uses to indicate likely adulteration or gross negligence. We have informed the authorities accordingly.”

Nestle’s Buitoni Beef Ravioli and Beef Tortellini, both chilled pasta products, have been withdrawn from shelves. Lasagnes à la Bolognaise Gourmandes, a frozen beef product by Nestlé Professional was also removed. Nestle intends to replace the withdrawn items with 100 percent beef products.

Nestle assures consumers that consumption of the affected products is not harmful:

“There is no food safety issue, but the mislabeling of products means they fail to meet the very high standards consumers expect from us.”

According to Reuters, today’s announcement finds Nestle joining a widespread scandal raging through the food industry involving products containing horsemeat. The company recently claimed that products within its label were not in danger of inclusion in the scandal.

Will you be affected by Nestle’s withdrawal of beef products containing trace amounts of horsemeat?