The Health Directorate is recalling a consignment of lasagne from Italy because it could contain traces of horsemeat.

The Environmental Health Directorate has been alerted to the Artica-Ricette Italiane bolognese lasagne, which might contain traces of horsemeat not declared in the list of ingredients.

The consignment consists of 750g lasagne packs (Lot 12318 and expiring on May 15, 2014) and includes 864 packets.

Health Directorate director John Attard Kingswell said 721 of the packets had already been withdrawn by the company and sealed by the Health Inspectorate at the company’s stores. However, 143 packets remained unaccounted for. Mr Attard Kingswell pointed out that there was no proven health risk associated with the product. It was a matter of deceptive labelling.

The discovery of horsemeat traces in beef products has wreaked havoc in a number of countries, especially the UK.

In January, Irish food inspectors found horsemeat in frozen burgers stocked by UK supermarket chains including Lidl, Tesco and Iceland.

Later, it was reported that criminals were responsible for contaminating food products with horsemeat.

In February, the Health Directorate had told The Times that it had not yet received information that contaminated products were placed on the local market.

It followed the issue through the EU rapid alert system for food and feed and was notified about the suspect consignment on Tuesday.

Mr Attard Kingswell explained that the directorate was testing local beef products and pies and other beef goods brought from abroad for traces of horsemeat.

Horsemeat was also being tested for the presence of the antibiotic phenylbutazone.

People can contact the Health Inspectorate between 8am and 2.30pm on 2133 7333, mhi@gov.mt or at Continental Business Centre, Cutrico Buildings, Old Railway Track, Santa Venera.