Brakes spicy minced beef skewer found to contain horse meat

A beef product from catering supplier Brakes has tested positive for traces of horse meat, the company has confirmed.

Brakes was named in the Food Standards Agency's third update on beef products tested for equine DNA.

Some of its spicy minced beef skewers were found to have been affected and have been withdrawn from sale.

Brakes said it was "very disappointed" that the product had not met its standards. In a statement it said: "Our tests confirmed one positive equine DNA finding at between 1 and 10% on a Brakes spicy minced beef skewer and one positive test reported by a customer of our subsidiary division Creative Foods, on a lasagne manufactured exclusively for them. Brakes have also segregated a frozen burger as a precaution after equine DNA at 1% was reported to the Food Standards Agency.

"Brakes and Creative Foods are very disappointed to have been let down by our respective suppliers and have sincerely apologised to our customers."

The supplier also highlighted that it had now tested 259 negative results for equine DNA to the Food Standards Agency since testing began after the horse meat scandal first came to light on 16 January.

Brakes also listed further measures to avoid future contamination:

It said: "To reassure customers on our product integrity going forward we will be introducing the following measures:

• A continued second phase of testing as part of a comprehensive surveillance programme, specifically on further processed beef products such as bouillons and stocks.
• A standard protocol of testing on batches or raw material and finished beef products.
• Negative equine meat confirmation before product enters our supply chain, wherever possible.
• A revaluation of our supply chain practices and supply chain partners to simplify and streamline traceability even further."