Investigation launched after meat traces ‘found in supermarket vegetarian meals’
Lab tests showed vegan and ‘meat free’ food from Tesco and Sainsbury’s contained animal DNA
The Food Standards Agency is investigating claims that traces of meat were found in UK supermarket products classified as vegan or vegetarian.
Pork traces were found in Sainsbury’s “meat free” meatballs during laboratory tests, while traces of turkey were discovered in a Tesco vegan macaroni ready meal, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Announcing the launch of an inquiry into the findings, a FSA spokesperson said: “Our priority is to ensure consumers can be confident that the food they eat is safe and is what it says it is.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“We are investigating the circumstances surrounding these alleged incidents and any resulting action will depend upon the evidence found.”
The Telegraph sent a number of samples to a food testing lab accredited by the German government.
The results reportedly showed traces of pork DNA in Sainsbury’s own-brand Meat Free Meatballs, which cost £1.50, and traces of turkey DNA in Tesco’s Wicked Kitchen BBQ Butternut Mac ready meal, which is labelled as being vegan and costs £4.
The presence of whole-animal DNA “suggests the presence of meat or animal skin in the product, though it could also be traced back to gelatine or oil”, says the BBC.
Tony Lewis, head of policy at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, said consumers would be “appalled” by the findings, which could point to a far wider problem.
He said: “I would have expected Sainsbury’s to have high standards, so if they have problem you have to question who else has a problem. Other retailers will likely be using the same factory and could also be affected.
“If you're starting to find stuff in food that shouldn’t be there, the question is what else is in there – this is this potentially a much wider issue.
“Consumers who’ve eaten these products will be appalled, because they bought them in good faith.”
A spokesman at Peta, a vegan group that has previously endorsed Tesco’s Wicked Kitchen range, said: “These findings will come as a massive shock to many, including, we suspect, those producing these foods.
“As the demand for vegan meats skyrockets, we urge manufacturers to improve their line-cleaning practices.”
Both supermarkets say they carried out their own tests on the products under investigation and found no traces of meat.
“These products are produced at a meat-free factory,” said a Sainsbury’s spokesperson. A Tesco representative insisted: “Our initial DNA tests have found no traces of animal DNA in the BBQ Butternut Mac product available in stores today.
“We would urge the Telegraph to share full details of their testing, including the lab used, as we continue to investigate.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The Pentagon faces an uncertain future with Trump
Talking Point The president-elect has nominated conservative commentator Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
This is what you should know about State Department travel advisories and warnings
In Depth Stay safe on your international adventures
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
'All Tyson-Paul promised was spectacle and, in the end, that's all we got'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Intermittent fasting: does diet pioneered by Michael Mosley work?
The Explainer Doctor's TV documentary and international best-selling book 'set the stage for the next great fad diet'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
4 expert tips for kickstarting your weight loss journey
The Week Reccomends Semaglutide shots might be all the rage, but there are healthier steps you can take to lose weight
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
The ubiquity of dangerous ultra-processed foods
feature Global consumption has been rising rapidly in recent decades – and the UK and US are leading consumers
By The Week Staff Published
-
Do vegans live longer?
feature Plant-based lifestyles can drastically lower rates of some serious diseases
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Can probiotics help fight off Covid-19?
feature New study suggests so-called good bacteria can help boost immune response to the coronavirus
By The Week Staff Published
-
Panic buying and army guards - supermarkets rehearse coronavirus scenarios
Speed Read Expert says ‘feed the nation’ plans are already being drawn up by major chains
By The Week Staff Published
-
The diet that turned a UK teenager blind
In Depth The Bristol boy ate only chips, crisps, white bread and processed meat
By Gabriel Power Last updated
-
Are you eating enough fibre?
In Depth Landmark study finds eating high-fibre diet cuts risk of chronic diseases and early death
By The Week Staff Last updated