The FSA has advised the UK firms to test all processed beef foods in a case rating to the discovery of horse meat in processed beef products.

The FSA also pointed out that it does not suspect that there is any health issue with the products. Food minister David Heath has said that the customers should continue to consume meat products until they are advised otherwise. He said that the government's stand is aligned with that of the FSA.

Some reports suggested that the investigators the case involving discovery of horse meat in beef products might be due to criminal activity or gross negligence. However, the police has clarified that it is not investigating any alleged criminality in the case yet.

New Scotland Yard said in a statement that, "Although we have met with the FSA we have not started an investigation and will not do so unless it becomes clear there has been any criminality under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police service."

Meanwhile, shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh has warned that other contaminated meat products might be found in the country. Liffey Meats was linked to the horse DNA controversy and the samples of its beef burgers produced between 10 and 16 January were tested by the inspectors. Another firm, Silvercrest in Co Monaghan was also found to be providing beer meat with traces of horse meat.

Estimates showed that more than 10 million burgers were withdrawn from the shops and were destroyed across the Ireland and the UK.