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Europe's horse meat scandal

In 2013, horse meat was discovered in beef products across Europe. Ben Henderson speaks to Alan Reilly, former CEO of the Irish Food Safety Authority, who uncovered the scandal.

In 2013, horse meat was discovered in Irish beef burgers. The scandal snowballed and within six weeks horse meat was found in beef products in more than a dozen European countries.

The story revealed how complex and unregulated Europe’s meat industry was, making it a target for fraudsters.

Ben Henderson speaks to Alan Reilly, former Chief Executive of the Irish Food Safety Authority, who uncovered the scandal.

(Photo: Meat inspection in a French supermarket. Credit: Sebastien Bozon via Getty Images)

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9 minutes

Last on

Wed 18 Jan 202303:50GMT
BBC World Service except South Asia

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  • Tue 17 Jan 202308:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Tue 17 Jan 202312:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Tue 17 Jan 202318:50GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Tue 17 Jan 202323:50GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Wed 18 Jan 202300:50GMT
    BBC World Service South Asia
  • Wed 18 Jan 202303:50GMT
    BBC World Service except South Asia

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