British report into horsemeat scandal critical of authorities

Irish and British authorities have both been criticised for the slow pace of thier investigation into the horsemeat scandal.

Irish and British authorities have both been criticised for the slow pace of their investigation into the horsemeat scandal.

Six months after the Food Safety Authority in Ireland revealed the presence of horsemeat in frozen burgers, a British parliamentary inquiry says prosecutions should be mounted.

The British environment and Rural Affairs Committee said its dismayed at the slow pace of investigations" into how horsemeat came to be passed off as beef in millions of "beefburgers" and ready meals.

Its report, published this morning, said Irish and British authorities failed to acknowledge the extent of the network or prosecute any companies involved.

It believes the scandal is most likely due to fraud.

MPs say they are "dismayed at the slow pace of investigations".

The report is also critical of retailers, arguing they should have been more vigilant.

It recommends retailers carry out regular DNA tests on meat and meat-based ingredients and says the cost should be borne by themselves and not passed on to consumers.