Beef taken off Sandwell schools menus in horse meat scare (From Halesowen News)

Beef taken off Sandwell schools menus in horse meat scare

12:39pm Thursday 28th February 2013 in Local

BEEF has been taken off the menu at Sandwell schools and meals-on-wheels today as a precaution after a supplier received a possible positive test for traces of horse meat.

Newport-based Welsh Bros Food contacted the council yesterday to say one batch of frozen free flow minced beef – dated from December – had “potentially tested positive for above one per cent horse meat”.

It is not yet known whether any of this batch reached Sandwell.

The company has told the council it has issued a 'withdraw notice' with the Food Standards Agency for all frozen free flow minced beef produced between December 13 and January 17.

Councillor Paul Moore, cabinet member for health, said: “All previous tests revealed no issues and we have had firm assurances from the company over recent weeks.

“However, following this latest information, we have decided as a precaution to temporarily withdraw all beef products sourced from Welsh Bros Foods from our schools, meals-on-wheels service and other council catering outlets.

“We are checking with the company whether any of the meat we have received is from the batch in question.

“In the meantime, we feel it's only right to take beef from this supplier off the menu until further notice.

“Our trading standards team will also be carrying out their own tests.

“While there is no risk to health, it is important people can make informed choices about the food they buy and eat and we all have a right to expect clear labelling."