What’s in That Whopper? Burger King Busted Selling Horse Meat

Friday, February 1, 2013 - 4:15pm
Horse

It’s both sad and gross at the same time. After nearly two weeks of trying to reassure the public that Burger King’s products were safe, the fast food giant just announced that an internal investigation confirmed that burgers containing horse meat have been sold in its United Kingdom locations!

Rumors of the contamination were first triggered by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland after it found horse meat in the frozen beef burgers of several major grocery suppliers in Ireland and the UK. The contaminated meat is from the Ireland-based processing company Silvercrest, which is a subsidiary of ABP Food Group.

"These recent revelations of horse meat in European hamburgers are proof that the predatory horse slaughter industry isn't worried about who it victimizes—horses and diners are all at risk," says Nancy Perry, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Government Relations. “In addition to the inherent cruelty of horse slaughter, the toxicity of horse meat is a big problem. We’ve become increasingly aware of all the drugs routinely given to horses that are dangerous to humans and banned for use in animals raised for human consumption.”

Take Action!
This incident happened across the ocean, but horses are at risk of terrifying, inhumane deaths at slaughterhouses right here at home: Horse slaughter proponents are taking drastic steps to re-open horse slaughter plants in the United States! Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to urge U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to reject any application to operate a horse slaughter facility in the U.S.

Thank you for taking action!

Tags: 
Advocacy
Equines

Comments

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 16:58 — Mayra (Visitor)
Sick fucksss!!!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:05 — Tracey valentine (Visitor)
Absolutely disgusting. I will no longer be eating at a majority of these establishments. And how disgusting would it be to open up horse slaughter houses. For who's gain? Terrible. It's amazing how money really does make the most influence. Horses are magnificent creatures. Both beautiful and smart.

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 00:43 — Mochajoe2004@ho... (Visitor)
Slaughter houses are already open thanks to Obama....they were closed, obama's administration re opened them

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 07:21 — Mama Bee (Visitor)
Horsebslaughter - Obama has not opened any slaughter houses. Where do you get your information from? Either post your source or quit lying.

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 10:05 — Shelley (Visitor)
I am NOT the person who originally made that post. And I could care less about anything political. But I did hear something on the news some time last year about a place here in MO that was trying to get a place open to kill & sell horse meat.Maybe it was in the Kansas City area? Wherever it was,my stomach turned when I heard it!

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 10:45 — eva (Visitor)
The processing plant never opened in Mo because the people wouldnt have t.I think they were trying next in Nebraska and it didt go anywhere either.

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 16:55 — DreamKrazy (Visitor)
Its now LEGAL in the USA to slaughter horeses for food consumptiom. Before, horses were taken to Mexio and Canada.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:06 — Tiffany Fontaine (Visitor)
Please do not consider any application to operate horse slaughter in the US. This is inappropriate and cruel.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:15 — Nicola fryer (Visitor)
Stop this disgusting trade

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:20 — Christine holland (Visitor)
Do not use horses in our food!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:21 — bree (Visitor)
Horse slaughter is legal in the us president obama sighned the bill the thanksgiving before last...its sick and demented and theirs no regulation for the usda to keep up inspections. Im probably going to be bashed for this but horse slaughter can be a good thing. Their are so many breeders backyard and big breeders and we cannot stop that. We have no right to tell someone they can't breed their animal. Their are so many horses that cannot be saved and the most humane thing is to put them down. Slaughterhouses should have to put horses down humanely and proper they should not suffer in the process and to be treated with dignaty and respect in the process.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:28 — jessica (Visitor)
Bree, whether or not you think horse slaughter is a humane option, the fact is that unlike cows or pigs, horses are not raised to become food, so throughout their lives they are given medicines that are toxic for humans. Their meat is simply not safe to eat. Even people who don't care about animals should care about that.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:33 — bree (Visitor)
No they are not ment for human consumption I forgot to add that in they shouldt be. I do not agree with slaughter but we have to comprimise. I work on a feedlot and help rehome horses before they get shipped. Its truly sad but sometimes we can't save them all.

Fri, 02/08/2013 - 15:46 — Informed reader (Visitor)
Then why are people not dying left and right overseas? http://news.sky.com/story/1049133/findus-beef-lasagne-meals-100-percent-horsemeat

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:43 — S (Visitor)
And if they weren't slaughtered in the US they would be shipped (HORRIBLY in confined, miserable conditions) for however long (probably extremely long) to another country to be slaughtered (most likely with more lax regulations than here). If they're going to be slaughtered, better to be where there are at least some regulations. The thing is they shouldn't be slaughtered in the first place. I agree that there are way too many horses (and cats, and dogs, and basically every other domesticated animal) than there are safe, loving places for and I don't have all the answers, but I firmly do not believe they should die because we (humans, the self-declared ruler of all the other animals)screwed everything up.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 18:36 — Jessica (Visitor)
Agreed. However, due to the growing population of displaced horses (esp. Racehorses - 40,000/yr. registered) coupled with the closing of slaughter houses these horses are sitting on dry lots starving to death. I'm not sure what's worse?! Fact is, all the bleeding hearts out there need to stop spending their money building more shelters and instead pour that money in to lobbying congress to pass laws that regulate the sale and breeding of animals (horses, dogs, cats etc...). At the moment anyone can breed an animal without any license or education. This is THE MAIN contributing factor to all animal over population (= high kill rates) and needs to be address IMMEDIATELY!

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 15:31 — Jennifer (Visitor)
I agree. The horses shouldn't have to pay the price. Humans are responsible for this. Anyway to make a buck. Very sad :(

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 19:05 — JS (Visitor)
Bree: regardless of what you tell yourself so that you can continue eating meat, there virtually is no such thing as "humane slaughter." Because money is the bottom line in any industry, speed and efficiency is key so what the animals have to endure during this process is not taken into consideration. Most slaughterhouses, processing plants, whatever you choose to call them, even the ones with the most strict guidelines, are terrifying and gruesome, and the final hours of the animals lives are horrifying until it's over, which is oftentimes NOT quick and painless, but sloppy and slow and brutal. There's no "Cold Mountain" style slaughter where the animal is held lovingly while drained of life. That, as weird as it seems, might be the best case scenario. And is the reality that most meat animals go through hours of suffering and terror a reasonable balance against years of neglect and potential starvation due to irresponsible owners? There's no easy answer. Perhaps your original statement "we have no right to tell someone they can't breed their animal" needs to be addressed.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 19:28 — Brenda (Visitor)
I will have to agree with you. Ten years ago I would not have. But I have seen horses that have been turned loose and killed by starvation or predators. I have seen horses that were left in a pasture to stand there and starve because the owner could no longer afford food, and they could not afford to put the animal to sleep. A well regulated slaughter house is needed in the U.S. A few moments of fear is much better than the slow painful death of starving. And all rescues are full , so that is not an option any more. Unless you have seen a horse that is just a standing bag of bones because of starvation, you can not understand the building problem that was caused because of closing the 2 slaughter houses in the US. The horses can still go to slaughter. But now they have to be taken over the border and slaughtered. Where how an animal is treated is not even a factor. A well run, slaughter house is needed here in the states. I am sorry, but it is the truth. And I love all animals. But I am mature enough to realise that to most people, horses are just another farm animal and that is the way most people treat them. Its a sad fact of life. And don't try and tell me I don't love animals. My home and barn are full of others cast offs. I have done my part to help the issue. Have you?

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 10:47 — Bobbi Spence (Visitor)
This is an excellent post, as much as any animal lover hates to admit it. Reality is harsh. Current economics are harsh. I used to rescue as many animals as I could. I'm retired now and can no longer afford to do so. Breaks my heart, but life is also harsh sometimes.

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 07:22 — Mama Bee (Visitor)
Please post your source on this bill.

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 12:22 — Cortney (Visitor)
Thankyou. I agree, though horse slaughter is not the ideal, and is disheartening to think of...so many are starving in the fields b/c the owner cannot afford hay this winter, and it's $100 to have them put down by the vet, $300 for body disposal. So there they are, cold, malnutrioned, starving, withered alone out in the field until death. Horse slaughter is an option to put these animals down. I push for humane slaughter. Humane treatement. It is a necessary evil because of the overbreeding and high numbers of horses out there grade status and in hands of people who may prefer to budge for $80 denim jeans and alcohol on saturday night instead of jarring the money for their animals well being.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:23 — heidi (Visitor)
Please this horrible unthikable hooror. Please do not consider any application to operate horse s;aughter in the U.S. thank you

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:24 — Aly (Visitor)
While I agree that this is terrible, it amazes me how some people will read this and think the same but will show no remorse to animals in other slaughterhouses.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:25 — Donna Gilson (Visitor)
What your company has done is disgusting. Not only to the horses but to the people eating this without knowing. I'm sure your business will feel the consequences of this. I hope this stops immediately!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:25 — Donna Gilson (Visitor)
What your company has done is disgusting. Not only to the horses but to the people eating this without knowing. I'm sure your business will feel the consequences of this. I hope this stops immediately!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:28 — bree (Visitor)
It is sick and wrong but their is no way to stop it. Its impossible! All we can do is make strict regulations to save the horses from pain and suffering. After that houses will be forced to close their doors because they will be fined to much to keep the plants running

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:32 — Angie (Visitor)
Why does this horrify people? Everybody should be just as outraged that millions of cows, pigs and chickens suffer this fate every day across the world. Why arent you horrified about that? I own horses, and yes they are magnificent, clever creatures. But no more than a cow, or a sheep. .. all animals have the same capacity for pain and fear. And not one of them wants to die just so you can have a meal. They struggle and fight to the very last breath. Every last one of them. Eating any animal is wrong.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:37 — bree (Visitor)
I agree a horse is the same matter as a cow fish bird pig any animal that is slaughtered for consumption. They say horse meat is bad...look at the filth their soon to be bacon lives in..or the chicken that's on their plate? Their all treated just as bad some even worse! Everyone needs to watch food inc. See where your food is really coming from!

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 03:29 — Faye Doyle (Visitor)
Thank you for your comment on this subject. You are right. No living creature wants to be killed. They ALL feel pain and horrific fear. When I saw those terrible videos about abused factory farm animals - I could no longer eat meat. I've seen many horses and donkeys left to starve, with no water, here in TX the past couple of years. The only way to improve the situation is to punish people (legally and severely)for over-breeding and neglecting the creatures God put in their care. Hell, we can't even get some of them to treat their children any better, so I don't see that happening soon. That's why there is such a need for people like the ASPCA to try to help as much as they can. If no one did ANYTHING this would be a miserable place to live. I wanted to let you know I appreciated your kindness towards animals. It's an uphill battle, but it's also rewarding sometimes to see the difference you've made in their lives... and humans!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:34 — S (Visitor)
Horses are not special. If you're okay with eating cows or pigs or sheep or goats, you should be okay with eating horses. Or dogs or any animal for that matter. Pigs are also smart and beautiful. Pigs are as smart as, if not smarter than, dogs. But society tells you they are worthy of nothing but horrible treatment and death so YOU can get nourishment (and a myriad of health problems from hormones and the over-consumption of red meat)that you can get elsewhere. Not to mention the horrible environmental impact of the ridiculous meat consumption now practiced. If you eat one, eat them all. Horses are not special. They are ALL special and not deserving of slaughter. /rant

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 18:41 — Sarah (Visitor)
I agree with you!!! its all the same!!!

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 14:37 — Rick (Visitor)
I so agree with you. Well said

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:43 — michelle scott (Visitor)
Why do people think horse meat is any "grosser" than cows meat? they are both carcasses of dead animals!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:50 — Rocio Rodriguez (Visitor)
This is ridiculous, horse meat really?! You guts are sick! Poor animals they dont deserve die in slaghouter houses, this is defedently gotta stop now!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 17:51 — Rosalie (Visitor)
I have tried going vegetarian but the more I think about it, it predator and prey a natural occurrence? What would happen if we didn't eat animals? Now I DO agree that we shouldn't be just putting them in slaughtering houses and treating them like filth, but think how many carnivores are in the wild? Should humans be an exception? This is one topic I have contemplated many times. So yes, complete slaughter is wrong. But is consuming meat like the rest of nature so wrong as well? "The circle of lifeeeee"

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 18:35 — Miss B (Visitor)
Except how it is done is NOT the circle of life- its about consumerism, NOT nourishment. And on top of it too much meat gets wasted or spoils before it ever touches somebodys lips. Not only did that wasted animal suffer, it was pumped full of chemicals and medication to keep it living in disgusting circumstances, caused pollution from the process and wasted TONS of resources to raise it. The water and grain used for animals could save the world ten timed over from starvation!! There is nothing " natural" about it, and can't be compared to the rest of nature and true survival. Humans are too removed from where their food comes from, so they don't respect it. And liking the taste of something isn't respect. I speak as a vegetarian who used to LOVE bacon back in the day, but was able to give it and all meat up and still beat the boys up the hill on my mountain bike without "conventional" protein. :)

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 18:20 — Kerry (Visitor)
These comments are so interesting. I was going to bring up the same thing...I've often wondered why horse meat is considered so different from cow or pig or chicken, or, to be honest, any other animal. Different cultures put different values on animals, so in some countries, dog meat is an okay thing to eat. We can't imagine it here in the U.S., but it doesn't necessarily make it wrong in another country. I am a meet eater and I can only hope that these animals, who I thank with my life for sacrificing their lives for my dinner, are treated as humanely as possible. Sadly, so many animals are not, and humans should do what they can to make sure the animals they eat were treated humanely. That said, if it's true that horses are given medicines and such that are unsafe for human consumption, that is different entirely. But if the horse meat is safe to eat, then as long as Burger King informs its consumers of what is in their Whoppers, I don't think it's such a terrible thing. But it is bad to lie to your consumers if your consumers feel it is unethical to eat that type of meat. Eat responsibly.

Tue, 02/05/2013 - 09:32 — joanne (Visitor)
Happy to see someone actually taking the time to consider the difference about horses. Horses are medicated and never meant to enter the foodchain! Horsemeat is toxic and causes many serious health issues!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 18:30 — Majeed (Visitor)
Please consider to become vegeterian/vegan. I am glad I became one and it was the best decesion I have ever made.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 18:55 — Melanie (Visitor)
I agree with the comments about vegetarian/vegan lifestyles. I used to eat meat as well from fish to pork. I went vegetarian and now I'm working on becoming a vegan. I just couldn't look at my dogs and realize there were other animals out there who look at humans with that same look in their eyes trusting humans to care for them. So much waste is made to support livestock being raised for food. We are suppose to care for our animal friends not treat them like used tires to be shredded and put into fire when there is no use for them any longer.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 19:19 — Dylan (Visitor)
MMMMMMM Horse Burgers......

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 21:40 — Laura Addis (Visitor)
This is why I don't eat meat. We all should try to cut down our consumption of animals all together. I am a loving and responsible horse owner, but I hear of a lot of unwanted horses going to Mexico for a cruel slaughter . There has to be a better way....

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 01:05 — Randall Shahan (Visitor)
While Burger King admits that its beef supplier for the UK, Silvercrest, was found to have small amounts of equine meat in its beef, they maintain that samples taken from three countries, The United Kindom,Ireland, and Denmark showed no signs of contamination. Did you know that until the horse overtook the oxen as the primary farm animal horses were routinely raised as a source of meat?

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 08:50 — Jessi-Leigh (Visitor)
Ok, why is everyone freaking out over this? If they open slaughter houses for horses then they probably won't be treating them with the drugs that are harmful for human consumption, so what's the problem? Millions of animals are slaughtered every day for human consumption, what makes a horse any different? You people are straight dee, if you have a problem with it for reals, quit using any animal products, like the rest of the Vegans...

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 08:50 — Jessi-Leigh (Visitor)
Ok, why is everyone freaking out over this? If they open slaughter houses for horses then they probably won't be treating them with the drugs that are harmful for human consumption, so what's the problem? Millions of animals are slaughtered every day for human consumption, what makes a horse any different? You people are straight dee, if you have a problem with it for reals, quit using any animal products, like the rest of the Vegans...

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 08:52 — Robert (Visitor)
God must not be perfect, as to why, he created the human race who has shown since the begining of time aggression, destruction and manipulation.

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 20:41 — Mariah (Visitor)
Everyone must know the full truth about horse slaughter. The United States, along with many other countries, are in a bind because the population of horses are way too high. It is imperative that horse slaughter is reopened to help with this rising population. Now before anyone jumps down my throat, I am getting my degree in animal science, and am applying to vet school. I have the welfare of animals first in my mind. With the population of horses as high as they are, there are several individuals who turn horses loose or starve them to death because they cannot afford the requirements to take care of them. These horses would be humanly euthanized, and in the U.S. would be exported for other countries use. Please remember this when making an opinion about this subject. I have personally seen two dead horses lying in the middle of the woods because someone turned them loose to starve. If horse slaughter was available, these animals would not have to suffer.

Wed, 02/13/2013 - 16:03 — doran (Visitor)
Regardless of the horse population in the US, selling horse meat and slaughtering horse for meat is against the law. I would have no trouble with their use if they advertised that it was horse and it tasted good - but it does not taste right...And I hate being taken advantage of - by profiteers, right or left.

Thu, 02/07/2013 - 03:31 — there's no perf... (Visitor)
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/nov/30/obama-congress-restore-us-horse-slaughter-industry/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_slaughter

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