EU countries okay plan for random checks of beef

Brussels: Officials from European Union countries are going ahead with a plan for more intensive checks to detect horsemeat in food labeled as beef as they work to contain a widening scandal. [caption id=“attachment_627503” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  The outside of a butchers where horsemeat is available, in Paris. AP[/caption] The emergency meeting on Friday in Brussels was designed to restore consumer confidence following the discovery of significant amounts of horsemeat in products sold as beef. Millions of burgers and frozen meals have been recalled across Europe. In addition, horsemeat will be tested for phenylbutazone, or bute, an anti-inflammatory veterinary drug that’s illegal to use in animals used for food. EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg welcomed the approval, saying, “consumers expect the EU, national authorities and all those involved in the food chain to give them all the reinsurance needed as regards what they have in their plates.” Associated Press