Horse meat in hamburgers

In February OCU released the results of a study on the quality of beef burgers, published in issue 378 of our magazine OCU-Compra Maestra. In Ireland, the presence of horse meat in products containing minced meat had previously been published. OCU subjected the products analysed to DNA testing. Of the 20 samples 2 tested positive in February for the presence of horse meat, which confirmed the presence of horse meat in Spain.

OCU reported the brands involved for fraud and requested a public and transparent investigation of this scandal. The impact in the media of the OCU accusation was very great, with more than 1,838 media appearances and generated a widespread public debate that eventually forced the Spanish government, which had no choice but to face reality, to carry out an inspection campaign in line with that done by the European authorities, which ultimately led to greater protection for consumers in order to avoid and prevent future fraud. In March OCU had a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, where among other issues they addressed this question.