Donkey meat in SA

Why wont they tell us who the culprits are?

Cape Town - There’s a fair share of fraudulent meat products on the South African market, according to a new study by meat scientists from Stellenbosch University.

The study found that anything from soya, donkey, goat and water buffalo were to be found in up to 68% of the 139 minced meats, burger patties, deli meats, sausages and dried meats that were tested. In other cases, even undeclared plant matter was detected.

These ingredients were not declared on the products’ packaging labels, the study found.

The findings follow in the wake of various international food produce scandals that have made headlines.

“Our study confirms that the mislabelling of processed meats is commonplace in South Africa and not only violates food labelling regulations, but also poses economic, religious, ethical and health impacts,” said Professor Louw Hoffman of the Department of Animal Sciences.

The products tested were collected from retail outlets and butcheries.

Of the 139 samples tested, 95 (68%) contained species which were not declared on the product labelling. The scapegoats in general were sausages, burger patties and deli meats.

Soya and gluten were found in 28% of the samples, without being identified specifically as plant material on the labels of the specific meat products.

A strong case of meat substitution was also reported. Pork (37%) and chicken (23%) were the most commonly detected animal species in products that were not supposed to contain them.

“Unconventional species such as donkey, goat and water buffalo were also discovered in a number of products,” said Hoffman.

The researchers used various DNA-based molecular techniques to evaluate the extent of meat product mislabelling.

“Our findings raise significant concern on the functioning of the meat supply chain in South Africa,” said Hoffman. “Even though we have local regulations that protect consumers from being sold falsely described or inferior foodstuffs, we need these measures to be appropriately enforced.”

“Clearly, our consumers cannot generally accepted that the meat products they buy are correctly labelled,” said Dr Donna-Maree Cawthorn, who believes that the entire local meat industry needs to take more responsibility in complying with relevant regulations.

“The meat industry’s failure to provide vital information on products may not only decrease consumer confidence in their organisations, but also in the meat industry as a whole.

She believes that targets must be set to improve meat labelling practices and to address the adequacy of authentication monitoring methods. “I do not believe that the current penalties issued for non-compliance are sufficient to deter fraudulent practices.”

The study was published in the international Food Control journal, and was done by Dr Donna-Maree Cawthorn and Professor Louw Hoffman of the Stellenbosch University Department of Animal Sciences, in conjunction with Harris Steinman of the Food & Allergy Consulting & Testing Services (F.A.C.T.S) in Milnerton.

Whats ganna happen to these guys?

Shew, for a minute there i thought you had opened the Vaal thread for tomorrow...

I was sure it was another thread on Bud Boy

Are we going to have the same jokes as the Tesco thread?

scotia Wrote:

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> I was sure it was another thread on Bud Boy
>
> Are we going to have the same jokes as the Tesco
> thread?


Save time Dave..... just cut and paste... or Hibs can merge the threads

Eat donkey, your rhymes will kick ass

scotia Wrote:

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> I was sure it was another thread on Bud Boy
>
> Are we going to have the same jokes as the Tesco
> thread?


Most common reason for Assburgers diease in SA ?

Within hours of the news that Tesco's 'all beef hamburgers' contained 30% horse meat these quips hit the internet....

• “I'm so hungry; I could eat a horse....." I guess Tesco just listened.

• Anyone want a burger from Tesco? yay or neigh?

• Not entirely sure how Tesco are going to get over this hurdle.

• Waitress in Tesco asked if I wanted anything on my Burger. So I had a £5 each way

• Had some burgers from Tesco for my tea last night....I still have a bit between my teeth.

• A woman has been taken into hospital after eating horse meat burgers from Tesco; her condition is said to be stable.

• Tesco are now testing all their vegetarian burgers for traces of unicorn

• "I've just checked the Tesco burgers in my freezer...AND THEY'RE OFF"

• Tesco now forced to deny presence of zebra in burgers, as shoppers confuse barcodes for serving suggestions.

• Said to the missus these Tesco burgers given me terrible trots.

• To beef or not to beef. That is equestrian.

• A cow walks into a bar. Barman says 'why the long face?' Cow says 'Illegal ingredients, coming over here stealing our jobs!'

• I hear the smaller version of those Tesco burgers make great horse d'oeuvres.

These Tesco burger jokes are going on a bit. Talk about flogging a dead.. agggghhh NO! NO NO NO!

water buffalo+donkey we get, seems SAF is not classy enough for horse, like UK.

How's it taken until 2013 for people to work out beef mince isn't just beef.

I think the we live in a coma because its been common practice to mix it with other meats to bring the cost per kg down for the suppliers.

We won't even talk about pies,that's the worst.

Ok all good or bad Ive been in tnis business for a while . There may be a few fly by nights that use these ingredients but come on guys what a load of crap? Donkeys goats buffalo ? .? Goat meat is awesome it is in India known as mutton and believe me it's awesome. I've been to the Kruger and had buffalot curry which is good and you can buy tinned buffalo as well. As for Donkey or Horse meat I will reserve judgement . I see thatnTurfontein has a Steakhouse night on the 12 th of march with juicy steaks and awesome hamburger patties! Huh wrongl place and time !! Power Park comes to mind. Most may think that's a donkey and they may be right and ther might be a few others that we have all backed and fed but come,on guys to imagine paying for a pie that you have paid for and had a trainer train it and paid vet fees and then think it tastes great with pastry . Ok sorry it is getting late. I am a vegetarian who,has the odd beverage which,is why I have no clue about,anything . As of now i will,stick to,the pure 1818 at least there is no doubt about what's in there