Horse DNA Found in Snacks in Belgium, EU Highlights Consumer Transparency

EU stresses consumers must receive clear information about purchased meat-based snacks. Discovery of horse DNA followed research commissioned by animal rights organization GAIA.

Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders snack restaurants were chosen for laboratory sample testing.

Researchers found horse DNA in twenty-seven percent of sampled meat-based snack products. Seventy-six percent of establishments had at least one product containing horse DNA.

GAIA insists the issue is lack of transparency, not necessarily illegal horse meat. The organization calls for banning horse meat sales and removing horses from food chain.