NEIGHS TO THE RIGHT, NEIGHS TO THE LEFT.

With apt reason, Britain is embroiled in a horse meat scam. Processed meat products, from burgers to lasagne, are being produced from horse meat, but labelled as beef. This may or may not be detrimental to health, but it is disgraceful that the purchaser is being misled. Much of this could well be due to European Union law. To follow much of this complicated business, one needs a complete map of Europe. This is not to apportion blame on any state in particular, as this fraud would appear to be occurring in a number of EU countries, Britain not excluded.

Much political capital is being generated, suggesting that government should be overseeing laboratory tests all over the place. It certainly is disconcerting that such activities are passing under the radar. This, however, stinks of well organised crime gangs who, even if they are apprehended, are aware of weak laws. The fact that this produce can be processed in a series of plants hundreds of miles apart; heaven only knows what offal might be included in the eventual minced product. Another aspect covering any production inside the EU, it only needs to be pointed out that it came from the EU. From whence doesn't matter. This creates a wonderful opportunity for 'con artists'.


WE NEED STRONG SENTENCES TO 'UP THE ANTE'.