Uni to investigate local produce for horsemeat
Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:40:00 GMT
University to investigate horsemeat in Huddersfield stores and supermarkets to protect the public
Pictured with the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bob Cryan (left), in the IPOS Lab are Head of Biology and Nutrition Dr Dougie Clarke and Science Analytical Manager Helen Winsor.
Scientists at the University of Huddersfield are carrying out random tests on meat products in Huddersfield for the presence of horsemeat and also the painkiller drug phenylbutazone, which is given to horses.
At the request of the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bob Cryan, scientists in the Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences are analysing products from a range of local stores and supermarkets to protect both the shops and consumers.
The Food Standard Agency (FSA) has today demanded that food businesses check for horsemeat in all processed beef products, such as burgers, meatballs and lasagne.
The FSA expressed a concern that some horses may have been given the drug called bute (phenylbutazone) which can be dangerous to humans.
Criticism has been made today by Downing Street for the apparent reluctance of stores involved in selling affected products to comment publicly on the horsemeat crisis.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bob Cryan, said: “Given the technology and state-of-the-art facilities that we have available to us at the University, it is only right that we attempt to protect both the public of Huddersfield from products containing horsemeat and the stores themselves who may be unknowingly selling these products.
The University has extended this further by inviting any food outlet in the local area, whether that be a restaurant, hotel, takeaway or a public house, to approach them for a free analysis of any products or raw materials.
