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Supermarkets still feeling impact of horsemeat scandal

Almost one third of shoppers have lost in faith in their supermarket's ability to provide uncontaminated meat a year on from the horse meat scandal. It emerged horse meat DNA had been found in frozen burgers in mid-January last year.

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LGA: It's up to manufacturers to ensure food safety

Responding to a study by Which? that highlights the "worrying decline" in local authority food checks a year on from the horsemeat scandal, the Local Government Association said the ultimate responsibility for food safety lies with manufacturers, retailers and suppliers.

Random sampling is just one tool available to councils and a reduction in testing does not mean an increased safety risk to the public.

Targeting high-risk businesses and acting on complaints is a far more effective use of their limited resources and also allows councils to free up responsible businesses from unnecessary inspections and red tape.

It is ultimately the responsibility of food manufacturers, retailers and suppliers to ensure the products they produce or sell comply fully with food law, are fit for consumption and won't risk public safety.

– Nick Worth, the Local Government Association's regulation spokesman

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