Tesco Apologizes Over Horsemeat in UK Burgers

CHESHUNT, England — Tesco has issued an apology after government testing found a high percentage of horsemeat in frozen beef burgers sold at stores in the U.K. and Ireland.

The retailer removed all the affected products from its stores and is offering refunds to any customers who may have purchased the burgers. Customers do not need a receipt and can return just the packaging to receive a refund.

“We will find out exactly what happened and, when we do, we’ll come back and tell you. And we will work harder than ever with all our suppliers to make sure this never happens again,” Tesco said in its apology on its website.

The horsemeat was discovered during a survey of beef products conducted by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. While trace amounts of horse DNA were found in beef burgers from five retailers, one sample from Tesco contained 29% horsemeat.

The FSAI said the horsemeat does not pose any health risks.