No evidence of horsemeat contamination at Burger King

One of Europe's biggest food suppliers and processors has said there is no evidence of contamination of horse DNA in Burger King products.

The fast-food outlet has been ruled out of the contamination equation after the ABP Food Group insisted that meat for fast-food giant Burger King, of which Scunthorpe has one restaurant on the town's Lakeside Retail Park, was produced and stored separately at the plant.

The ABP Food Group, suspended all production at one of its plants in Co Monaghan, Ireland, after tests found contamination.

A spokesman for ABP said: "To date, ABP Food Group investigations have centred around two third party continental suppliers. Following receipt of the Irish Department of Agriculture results, we believe that we have established the source of the contaminated material to one of these two suppliers. "However, because equine DNA has been found in certain finished products tested this week, we have decided that the responsible course of action is to temporarily suspend all production at the Silvercrest plant in County Monaghan with immediate effect.

BLINDS & CURTAINS MADE 2 MEASURE WE COVER SCUNTHORPE & GRIMSBY...

Grimsby Sunblinds

View details

Print voucher

FREE MAEASURING AND FITTING SERVICE PHONE 809887 FOR A FREE QUOTE www.grimsby-sunblinds.co.uk

Contact: 01472 809887

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

"This week's production has not been released from the plant.

"Whilst, we are temporarily closing down the entire plant for purposes of expediency, we would like to reiterate that all Burger King products produced by us are stored separately and manufactured on an independent line. "There is no evidence of any contamination of raw material used for the manufacture of any Burger King products."

The facility is expected to be closed for several days to complete the sanitation process. During this time, all staff will continue to be paid and bosses will be working with the relevant authorities, management and supervisory team to complete its investigation.

The spokesman added: "We will continue to communicate with our customers and suppliers over the coming days."