MLAs didn’t eat horse inspite of recall

Speaking on behalf of the Assembly Commission, Mr Ramsey said a ‘Rangeland 4oz Burger’ was recalled from all Compass-Eurest - Stormont’s food supplier - sites on February 4. A DNA test conducted on the burger product had returned a positive result for the presence of horse DNA.

However, Mr Ramsey said: “This product referenced above is not used at Parliament Buildings.”

The horsemeat contaminated burgers were also tested for BUTE, the anti-inflammatory drug for horses, which some have suggested could have implications for human health if consumed, but they were given the all clear.

Said Mr Ramsey: “Compass-Eurest has now initiated a programme of regular DNA testing on all processed meat products (sausage rolls, meatballs, etc) supplied to Compass Group.

“The tests have all returned a negative result for equine DNA. It is important to note that, within the Northern Ireland Assembly contract, all burgers, meatballs and compound meat dishes are prepared using fresh meat produce.”

The Rangeland burgers were sourced by O’Kane’s from Rangeland Foods. O’Kane’s has now conducted rigorous tests on its beef products as has Pallas Foods another Compass supplier.