Horsemeat scandal: Beef products 'pose no health risk'

UK and French supermarkets are among those who have withdrawn ready-meals

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All processed beef products are safe to eat but consumers must be prepared for more unwelcome news in the ongoing horsemeat scandal, the government says.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said "nothing seen so far presented a health risk".
Mr Paterson, who is to update MPs later on the latest developments, said it looked as if an "extensive" criminal conspiracy may have taken place.
Legal action is set to begin in continental Europe on Monday, he added.
Mr Paterson has already said a moratorium on EU meat imports, which has been called for, is not allowed under EU rules.
In France, the government has summoned meat industry representatives to talks and some ready meals were withdrawn after horsemeat was found in some beef-labelled foods sold in Europe.
Mr Paterson said reports from France suggested the problem had been pinned down to two abattoirs in Romania.