French retailer Auchan has confirmed that horse DNA has been detected in its own label meatballs and hamburgers sold in Portugal by the group’s local subsidiary.

It follows a statement from Portuguese consumer protection association, DECO, which purchased 30 samples of products from Auchan and El Corte Inglés
outlets and had them tested by an independent laboratory.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The statement said testing revealed three of the samples contained horse DNA.

Traces of less than 1% were found in Auchan branded hamburgers and its low price brand Polegar’s meat balls.

The supplier in question only delivered to Auchan in Portugal, a spokesman for the retailer said.

Auchan Portugal’s own testing confirmed these results and the products had been immediately removed from sale.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Slightly higher traces of horse DNA had been found in El Corte Inglés’ lasagne, DECO said.