Horse meat sold as beef, mouse fur and needles: Shocking food scandal exposed in Australia

An ABC investigation reveals serious failures in Australia's food regulation: horse meat sold as beef or lamb, and products found to contain mouse hairs, metal shavings, and needles. Hundreds of businesses received safety violation notices between 2022 and 2026, including nursing homes and hospitals.

An investigation by Australian network ABC has exposed a severe food scandal: horse meat sold as beef or lamb, and food products found to contain mouse hairs, metal shavings, and needles. Documents released for publication indicate hundreds of businesses received food safety violation notices between 2022 and 2026, including nursing homes, hospitals, and catering companies. Deficiencies include poor hygiene, expired food, and failure to report dangerous bacteria. Additionally, cases of animal abuse in illegal slaughterhouses are described, from which horse meat leaked into the market. Experts are calling for the establishment of a dedicated unit to combat food fraud.