All Scottish schools have been told not to serve frozen beef burgers after one was found to contain traces of horse DNA.
Local authorities were advised to “place a hold” on the use of the products following the discovery in a burger at a North Lanarkshire school kitchen.
The measure also applies to council leisure facilities and some social care establishments.
The revelation was made after frozen burgers were removed for testing last week.
Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said it was “really unacceptable that any school child in Scotland should be eating a burger which has got horse meat in it”.
News of the discovery in North Lanarkshire emerged last night. The school where the positive test was recorded has not been named.
Councils across the country have now been advised to take frozen beef burgers off the menu as a precautionary measure.
The move was confirmed by procurement agency Scotland Excel, which deals with contracts on a national basis.
A spokesman said: “On the evening of February 21, we were advised by North Lanarkshire Council that traces of horse DNA were found in a frozen beef burger that had been supplied to one of the schools in their area.
“Scotland Excel is very concerned to learn of this incident despite the steps taken by our suppliers to provide assurances on their processed meat products.
“Investigations are taking place and we are continuing to work with our suppliers to ensure that the necessary verification is taking place across the supply chain.
“In the meantime, as a precautionary measure, councils have been advised to place a hold on the use of all frozen beef burger products currently stored within their catering premises.”
The Food Standards Agency said investigations were continuing to find the source of the burger.
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