South African ‘beef’ burgers horse-free but do contain water buffalo, donkey and goat

South African food is clear of horsemeat contamination, but it does have water buffalo, donkey and goat meat in mislabelled beef burgers and sausages.

A study published by three professors at Stellenbosch University found that 99 of 139 samples contained species not declared in the product label, with the highest incidence in sausages, burgers and deli meats.

The study found soya and gluten were not labelled in 28% of products tested, undeclared pork in 37% and chicken in 23%.

Co-author Professor Louwrens C. Hoffman said: “This study confirms that the mislabelling of processed meats is commonplace in South Africa and not only violates food labelling regulations but also poses economic, religious, ethical and health impacts.”

He said no horsemeat was found.