According to recent reports in The Times we now have the Environmental Health Directorate finally coming to the rescue of consumers (albeit seven whole weeks after the world knew of the problem) and advising – via their previously mute director, John Attard Kingswell – that “tests” are now being undertaken by the office he represents, with one brand of Italian lasagne bolognese being withdrawn from circulation because it might contain horsemeat. Yet, a large number of such a product still remain unaccounted for.

Consumers, however, were reliably assured by Attard Kingswell that this critical issue was purely a case of “deceptive labelling” and, moreover, that absolutely “no proven health risk” was attached to the product in question.

Really? How could he possibly make such a reckless claim when, clearly, no authenticity, traceability or origin of source may be applied to this ‘horsemeat’ corrupting processed meat products?

Furthermore, where, how and when were these horses slaughtered and, before this occurred, were these noble creatures provided with a vet’s certificate declaring them fit for human consumption?

Also, we are subjected to the EHD simply being “alerted” to the fact that the product in question may contain horsemeat DNA without the EHD confirming this irrefutably or finding such possible traces of horsemeat. What percentage of alleged meat constitutes a trace?

The EHD made this announcement without ascertaining anything via their own volition or as a result of any tests they undertook, as such, information resulted only from them being “alerted” – whatever that implies. Tests which, in any event, were only eventually made after being ordered by the European Heath Commission.

So, if as cavalierly attested to by Attard Kingswell, this issue is simply a matter of “deceptive labelling”, who or what entity, health issues aside, is responsible to ensure that what is contained and shown via the labelling of products is actually what consumers are provided with – and what are they doing about it?

And, if consumers are being deceived about the contents of the ‘mystery’ meat contained in processed food products, what other fabricated or falsified ingredients are suppliers and, possibly, also retailers, including as contents through their product labelling?

How many tests have been undertaken, where have these been performed, what are the conclusions of such tests and where may the consumer access the findings of such tardily-introduced tests?

The answers to these crucial questions and more are urgently demanded along with why it took such an inordinate amount of time for any concrete action to be taken.