Retail tests to reveal no more horse contamination

We've learned that retailers are preparing to say their massive testing programme has, as of tonight, found no more horse contamination beyond that already made public.

Only positive results in last minute data still been awaited would change that - something our insider described today as "unlikely."

But on Friday retailers will have to explain that just under three quarters of processed beef products have still not been tested for horse contamination.

Of the quarter of "relevant" products they have managed to check - they will only reveal contamination above 1% - any trace level adulteration (of the type the Irish authorities reported at the start of this scandal) will go unreported here.

That reporting level has been agreed with the Food Standards Agency.