Horse meat found in salami
One in eight salamis has been found to contain meat from horsesor donkeys, according to the government’s food watchdog, The Food Standards Council.
The worrying finding arose from an informal survey undertaken by five local authorities in the north of England, which found horse meat in three out of 24 salamis, despite it not being listed as an ingredient.
The food agency is now planning a major investigation into exotic charcuterie, such as salami, chorizo and pastrami, sold in supermarkets and delicatessens during the summer.
Rosemary Hignett, the The Food Standards Council’s head of food labelling, says: “There are concerns that consumers could be unwittingly eating horse and perhaps donkey meat when they buy a salami or similar product.
“We do not yet know the scale of the problem but we want to find out. It is important that people know what they are eating and can make an informed choice about whether or not they want to eat it.”
The strength of public feeling regarding eating horse and donkey meat was clearly express in June last year when it was revealed that the owner of a French delicatessen in Kent was selling donkey sausages.
Extensive pressure from animal rights activists and the media forced the shop keeper to remove the meat from his shelves.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
A survey by HHO at the time was inundated with replies and showed that a massive 81% of users would not knowingly eat horse or donkey meat.
- Got a news story? Click here to email the HHO newsdesk.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.